orth America’s largest open field tomato grower, unveiled a new grape tomato variety this year. The new variety, Ripe Bites, is the second Florida-grown proprietary variety to go into full production this year, after October's launch of Crimson Queen.Ripe Bites were created by Lipman’s research and development team, led by Mark Barineau, Ph.D., director of breeding. This variety – grown exclusively in Lipman’s Naples, Florida-based retractable-roof greenhouse – has a deep red color, high brix content and is available consistently throughout the Florida growing season.
“They are sweeter than traditional grape tomatoes, and they don't split because they're grown in a greenhouse,” said Jessica Kerstein of Lipman. “This allows them to be protected from outside environment yet still grown in the ground, so they have better flavor than other greenhouse products.”
Throughout five years of development, Lipman was able to test Ripe Bites in both protected and open field conditions. They fared better in protected agriculture conditions, so Lipman decided to dedicate an entire five-acre greenhouse to the tomatoes. With customers craving sweeter varieties, Lipman is anticipating a warm response from consumers. The tomatoes are currently available from retailers along the east coast of the U.S.
