Powerhouse tomato: Meet Nature Fresh's newest introduction

Photos courtesy of Nature Fresh Farms

Late in 2022, Nature Fresh Farms debuted the new YOOM tomato — a purple, nutrient-packed, greenhouse-grown, on-the-vine tomato. According to Matt Quiring, Nature Fresh’s senior vice president of sales and marketing, a key part of YOOM’s marketability is its nutrient profile.

“The YOOM is a powerhouse of nutrients,” Quiring says. “With high levels of antioxidants, anthocyanin and lycopene (indicative in its distinguishing deep purple hue), Vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium and a good source of fiber, the YOOM is an ideal choice for health-minded individuals looking to boost their nutritional intake.”

YOOM, Quiring says, joins a tomato portfolio that ranges from grape tomatoes to beefsteak tomatoes and red cherry tomatoes on the vine. He says that the growing process is similar to how the company’s other tomatoes are grown. Its flavor ranges from savory to tart with a hint of plum-like sweetness.

“From using a coconut husk growing medium, to watering with a closed-loop irrigation system, to being pollinated by bumblebees, the YOOM tomato has very similar growing needs to our other tomato varieties,” Quiring says.

A difference of the YOOM is that it changes color as it ripens, going from green at the beginning and then to jet black then to a deep purple. Another key characteristic: the dark red “star” underneath the tomato’s calyx when it is fully ripened.

Grown from non-GMO genetics developed by Syngenta, Quiring says YOOM will be sold through retail partners in both the United States and Canada. The packaging, featuring a YOOM logo also designed by Syngenta, is clear as to allow consumers to see the tomato through the package.

That, Quiring says, is consistent with how Nature Fresh markets its other products.

“We want our product to be the focal point,” he says. “To do this, we ensure as much of our product is visible to the consumer through the use of clear packaging. This guarantees the quality and freshness of our product can [be] seen.”