Let’s be real—New Jersey tomatoes used to be legendary. If you grew up here, you know what I mean. The flavor was unreal—sweet, juicy, full-bodied, the kind of taste that made every summer sandwich or salad unforgettable. Somewhere along the way, that magic faded. The supermarket varieties got blander, the sweetness gave way to sameness, and the once-famous “Jersey tomato” became just… basic.
But that might be about to change.
After nearly a decade of dedicated research, Rutgers University has unveiled a new tomato that’s turning heads—and taste buds. Meet the ‘Scarlet Sunrise’, a golden-hued, reddish-blushed bicolor grape tomato designed to deliver the flavor punch that New Jersey tomatoes were always known for. And from all early reports, it’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.
A Tomato Worth the Wait
The ‘Scarlet Sunrise’ is no quick experiment—it’s the product of years of old-school, hands-on plant breeding by Rutgers researchers Peter Nitzsche and Tom Orton. The process began back in 2012 with a bold question: could they combine the robust flavor of a commercial red grape tomato with the striking color and sweetness of a bicolor cherry tomato… without the cracking issues that made the latter hard to grow?
It wasn’t easy. Red is a dominant genetic trait, so early generations didn’t show the bicolor pattern at all. Multiple years of “backcrossing” (a plant breeding technique that reinforces specific traits) were required, along with meticulous field trials, lab work, and what can only be described as surgical-level pollination using tiny tweezers and paintbrushes.
“We almost gave up,” Nitzsche admits. “For a while, every plant came out red. But we kept at it, and eventually, the right combination showed up.”
And that’s when the magic happened.
What Makes ‘Scarlet Sunrise’ Special
- Flavor First – This tomato is all about taste. Its carefully balanced sugar-to-acid ratio makes it ideal for snacking straight off the vine.
- Striking Looks – The yellow-gold base with a soft red blush earned it the “sunrise” name. It stands out instantly at a farmers market table.
- Durable & Crack-Resistant – Unlike some heirloom varieties that split easily, this one holds up in the field and in your kitchen.
- Proudly New Jersey – Developed here, grown here, and bred to give local farmers a competitive edge in a market dominated by out-of-state mass production.
A Celebration of Jersey Agriculture
The official debut happens August 27 at Rutgers’ annual Open House and Tomato Tasting at the Clifford E. and Melda C. Snyder Research and Extension Farm in Pittstown, NJ. Visitors will get to try ‘Scarlet Sunrise’ alongside dozens of other varieties—heirlooms, hybrids, and experimental lines—while learning more about the science of plant breeding.
This isn’t just a tomato tasting—it’s a full celebration of New Jersey’s agricultural heritage. There will be wagon tours, educational displays, and plenty of Rutgers Master Gardeners on hand to share insights and serve up samples. If you care about fresh, local produce, events like this are the perfect reminder that New Jersey’s farming roots are alive and thriving. Learn more about our state’s vibrant farming community here.
Why This Matters for New Jersey Farmers
For local growers, flavor is the ace up their sleeve. Competing with the massive production scale of California or Mexico is tough, but when it comes to freshness and taste, New Jersey can’t be beat. A tomato like ‘Scarlet Sunrise’ gives farmers something unique to market—something that appeals to both chefs and home cooks looking for quality over quantity.
And for those of us who grew up on the taste of a real Jersey tomato? This could be the comeback we’ve been waiting for.
The Future of ‘Scarlet Sunrise’
Even as this variety is set to roll out, Rutgers researchers are already working on improvements. The current plants grow tall—sometimes 6 to 8 feet—which can be challenging in both home gardens and commercial fields. New breeding work aims to create a more compact version without losing any of the flavor or visual appeal.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about growing tomatoes—it’s about growing better tomatoes.
Mark Your Calendar
📅 August 27 – Open House & Tomato Tasting
📍 Clifford E. and Melda C. Snyder Research and Extension Farm, Pittstown, NJ
If you’ve been longing for the days when a Jersey tomato could stop you in your tracks, this is your chance to taste what’s next. The ‘Scarlet Sunrise’ is more than just a tomato—it’s a love letter to New Jersey agriculture and proof that sometimes, patience really does pay off.
