Gardeners near Decorah have three crowd-tested tomato varieties to consider for next year after visitors at Seed Savers Exchange’s Heritage Farm sampled and ranked 22 entries during a free tasting on Aug. 22, 2026.
The event did not produce one overall champion. Instead, participants selected a favorite for each of three common kitchen uses, giving local growers a practical starting point while recognizing that growing conditions, personal taste and recipes can affect which variety works best.
The three winning tomato varieties
- Slicing: Bookie
- Cooking: Rizzi Softball Plum
- Snacking: Chocolate Cherry
Bookie received the highest ranking among tomatoes intended to be eaten in slices. Rizzi Softball Plum led the cooking category, while Chocolate Cherry received the strongest support as a snack.
For Decorah-area gardeners who enjoy fresh tomato slices, Bookie may be a variety worth investigating. Gardeners planning to use their harvest in cooked dishes could look into Rizzi Softball Plum, while Chocolate Cherry may appeal to people who prefer eating tomatoes directly from the garden.
Results offer a starting point, not a guarantee
The tasting’s category-based format connected the results to everyday planting decisions. Participants could consider whether they wanted tomatoes for fresh slices, recipes or quick snacks rather than choosing a single variety for every purpose.
The three winners are best viewed as a shortlist, not a declaration that one tomato is right for every garden or household. A variety’s suitability can depend on local growing conditions, individual preferences and how the harvest will be used.
The gathering also introduced participants to tomato varieties they may not have encountered before. Gardeners interested in the winning varieties can continue researching them through Seed Savers Exchange’s Exchange. The organization directed readers there for Bookie and Rizzi Softball Plum, while Chocolate Cherry seeds were listed for purchase through Seed Savers Exchange.
Seed preservation work continues at Heritage Farm
The free event was open to tomato lovers of all ages and formed part of Seed Savers Exchange’s broader seed-preservation work. Decorah Bank & Trust Co., Mountain Rose Herbs and Streamworks supported the tasting.
Seed Savers Exchange thanked the people who sampled the tomatoes, shared their opinions and voted. For growers deciding what to plant next, the tasting provides three locally tested starting points: Bookie for slicing, Rizzi Softball Plum for cooking and Chocolate Cherry for snacking.