Tomatoes are beloved for their vibrant colors, juicy flesh, and delicious flavor. However, there is one phenomenon that can sometimes puzzle gardeners and enthusiasts alike: tomatoes with green shoulders. These are tomatoes that develop a greenish or yellowish tint around the stem end, while the rest of the fruit ripens to its characteristic color. In this blog, we will delve into the causes of green shoulders in tomatoes, discuss their impact on taste and quality.
Green shoulders occur when the area around the stem end of the tomato fails to fully ripen and remains green while the rest of the fruit turns ripe. It often manifests as a distinct greenish or yellowish coloration on the top portion of the tomato.
Prior to the 1930s nearly all tomato varieties produced green shoulders. In 1930, an agricultural experiment station in Fargo North Dakota recognized some plants had a mutation they called ‘uniform ripening’ and they successfully produced a hybrid tomato variety they called All Red. It wasn’t long before all tomato producers were trying to eliminate the green shoulders on their tomatoes. It was realized that the mutation that was present in the All Red was also present in other varieties but only in some individual plants. Producers started grafting off these plants to reproduce the mutation. Thus, the uniform ripening genes eventually made their way into nearly all tomato varieties.
The mutation that causes fruit to look better doesn’t come without a cost. Typically, tomatoes that do not have the mutation have more flavor overall. They are generally tangier and have larger flavor bands from umami to sweet.
There are some factors that still impact Green Shoulders in today’s tomatoes such as:
- Exposure to Sunlight: Intense or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during hot weather, can cause the top part of the tomato to become sunburned. The heat and light can hinder the ripening process, resulting in green shoulders.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Drastic temperature fluctuations, particularly during the period when the tomato is forming and developing, can disrupt the ripening process and lead to uneven coloration.
- Nutrient Imbalances: Imbalances in essential nutrients, particularly calcium, can affect the tomato’s ripening process and contribute to the development of green shoulders.
One can manage Green Shoulders easily with today’s tomato varieties.
- Variety Selection: There are varieties that tend to have less or more resistance to Green Shoulders. You can research and select varieties known for their uniform ripening characteristics.
- Provide Shade: If your tomatoes are exposed to intense sunlight, consider providing some shade using shade cloth or by strategically positioning taller plants to cast shadows during the hottest parts of the day.
- Take Steps to Maintain Consistent Temperatures: Provide a stable and moderate growing environment. Mulching around the base of the plants can help regulate soil temperatures and reduce stress.
- Proper Nutrition: Ensure your tomato plants receive adequate and balanced nutrition. Test your soil’s nutrient levels and make amendments accordingly. Adequate calcium levels can be particularly important for preventing green shoulders, so consider adding a calcium supplement or using calcium-rich organic fertilizers.
- Harvesting: If you notice green shoulders developing on your tomatoes, you can harvest them slightly earlier than fully ripe. Allow them to ripen indoors at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. This way, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of the tomato while minimizing the visual impact of the green shoulders.
Tomatoes with green shoulders may pose a mystery for many gardeners, but with a deeper understanding of the causes and potential remedies, you can effectively manage and reduce their occurrence. By selecting suitable varieties, providing adequate shade, maintaining consistent temperatures, ensuring proper nutrition, and making slight adjustments to your harvesting approach, you can continue to enjoy the bounty of your tomato harvest, green shoulders and all. Happy gardening and tomato tasting!
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