1.   As tomatoes ripen, an enzyme is produced which causes softening by breaking down the pectin in the cell walls.

2.   But how do these growers fool Mother Nature and get a tomato to ripen on the same day a lilac blooms?

3.   For true flavor, the tomato must have ripened completely on the vine by taking in water and feeling the full heat of sun on its shoulders.

4.   Nor expect to be robbed of this season, the time when his tomatoes ripen, his roses bloom and the speckled trout begin to bite.

5.   The tomatoes are sold only until late July when the field tomatoes ripen, and are available again when the field season ends, starting in late fall.

6.   Usually, one tomato ripened at a time, making it quite a sensation at mealtime.

7.   Wondering if tomatoes ripened on a windowsill taste as good as fruit ripened on the vine?