Seed Savers Exchange has announced the winners of its 2026 Tomato Tasting at Heritage Farm, where tomato lovers of all ages sampled 22 varieties and voted for their favorites.
The free community event featured tomatoes competing in three categories. Attendees selected Bookie as the Slicer winner, Rizzi Softball Plum in the Cooking category and Chocolate Cherry for Snacking.
2026 tasting winners
- Slicer: Bookie
- Cooking: Rizzi Softball Plum
- Snacking: Chocolate Cherry
Seed Savers Exchange directed readers to its Exchange for Bookie and Rizzi Softball Plum. Chocolate Cherry seeds were listed for purchase through the organization.
The organization thanked everyone who participated in the tasting, including those who sampled the tomatoes, debated the choices and voted. The event also received support from Decorah Bank & Trust Co., Mountain Rose Herbs and Streamworks.
A community gathering at Heritage Farm
The announcement underscores the range of tomato varieties presented at the Heritage Farm gathering and the local support that helped make the event possible. For Decorah-area residents interested in gardening and seed preservation, the winning varieties provide a starting point for exploring the organization’s seed offerings.