Decorah-area gardeners searching for tomatoes to grow next season have three varieties to investigate after visitors at Seed Savers Exchange’s Heritage Farm near Decorah selected category favorites during a free Aug. 22, 2026, tasting.
The event did not name one overall winner. Instead, attendees sampled, compared and voted on 22 tomato varieties, selecting a leading option for each of three common kitchen uses. The results offer a starting point for gardeners deciding what to research and grow, rather than a universal ranking.
Which tomatoes led each category?
Bookie received the most support as a slicing tomato. Visitors selected it for fresh eating, including slices for sandwiches, salads and similar meals.
Rizzi Softball Plum led the cooking category. Participants chose the variety for sauces and other cooked dishes, making it a possible option for gardeners who plan to prepare or preserve tomatoes.
Chocolate Cherry was the favorite among visitors who preferred eating tomatoes directly from the garden. Seeds for the variety were available for purchase through Seed Savers Exchange after the tasting.
What the tasting results mean for gardeners
The category results may help gardeners around Decorah narrow a long list of possibilities. People focused on sandwiches or salads may want to investigate Bookie. Gardeners planning sauces or other cooked dishes can compare Rizzi Softball Plum with other cooking varieties, while Chocolate Cherry may appeal to people who enjoy eating tomatoes immediately after picking them.
But the tasting did not establish that the three selected varieties will outperform every other tomato in every Decorah-area garden. Flavor and performance can vary with growing conditions and personal preferences. The voting reflected what visitors liked at the tasting, not a definitive answer for every garden, recipe or growing season.
Sampling 22 entries also introduced attendees to tomatoes they might not otherwise have considered. By organizing the results around three familiar uses, the event produced a focused list for further research instead of naming one tomato the best choice for every purpose.
Seed Savers Exchange provided follow-up information
Seed Savers Exchange provided follow-up information for attendees interested in the selected varieties. Participants were directed to research Bookie and Rizzi Softball Plum, while Chocolate Cherry seeds could be purchased through the organization.
The tasting was part of Seed Savers Exchange’s broader seed-preservation work at Heritage Farm near Decorah. Visitors sampled, compared and voted while learning more about the organization’s work with seeds and plant varieties.
Decorah Bank & Trust Co., Mountain Rose Herbs and Streamworks supported the tasting. Seed Savers Exchange also thanked the people who sampled the tomatoes, shared their opinions and voted.