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At last! Local tomatoes!

Posted at 9:06 PM on February 12, 2008 by Margaret Hochla (4 Comments)

I am overjoyed to report that the coop has a few boxes of hydroponically grown vine-ripened tomatoes for sale this month. When we first started a few years ago, we had two producers that grew a variety of produce hydroponically through the winter. It's wonderful to have some for sale again.
Kygar Road Greenhouses, 2309 Glenmore Pl., Ponca City , OK 74601,
David Inselman (580) 761-3163 Fax - (580) 762-4438 trdrdave@poncacity.net

It's great to have some tomatoes. The boxes of windfall tomatoes were already gone by the time I ordered. They were priced really great! I did order about 15 medium and 20 small tomatoes, however. I am almost to the end of my frozen roasted tomatoes and tomato paste from the summer.

We are still enjoying the butternut squash that we bought in November. It keeps wonderfully, cooks easily: soup, pies, mashed, and is high in antioxidants. Some greens are still available from local gardeners here in El Reno. Even someone at church slipped me a few late peppers that they had from a covered bed.

Comments (4)

Margaret, this tomato story is wonderful. Please let us know how the hydroponics taste compared to conventionally grown tomatoes. There is one local source for hydro tomatoes, but have been told the restaurants get first dibs. Only shot we have of getting any in March is if the sun is out for long periods of time to boost output beyond what the restaurants need. Not likely in SW Michigan!

Posted by Donna McClurkan | February 14, 2008 4:50 AM

Margaret, I read about you in today's Daily Oklahoman and am inspired to try more local foods. I've always thought it was a good idea but didn't really think I'd find what I needed throughout the year. Living on the NE side of OKC, I am going to try to buy more dairy products from Braum's or Hiland, perhaps make my own yogurt. How can I find information on a local food cooperative?
Thanks, Janice

Posted by Janice | February 20, 2008 8:12 AM

We are getting "sungold" cherry tomatoes here in Norman at Native Roots. You have to be quick but it is worth the effort.

Native Roots is our "local" source for a lot of different foods and a great place to shop.

(I'm not associated with Native Roots)

Posted by Charles Suggs | February 21, 2008 8:14 PM

The hydroponic tomatoes are delicious. There seem to be some differences from a mid-summer crop: texture is not as firm, tomatoes are not as fragrant. These differences might only be do to what variety of tomato is grown.

Janice, you might try the Oklahoma Food Cooperative website, www.oklahomafood.coop. We have member producers from all over the state. There might be a pick-up site in your area. I know there is one in Edmond.

Posted by Margaret Hochla | February 25, 2008 3:31 PM