Always wash produce prior to eating!!
Tomatoes should always be stored on your counter top, never refrigerated.
Why are there germinating seeds in my tomatoes?
Germination of tomato seeds in the fruit (Vivipary)
Vivipary is the germination of seeds with the fruit. Several types of fruits display this phenomenon including tomatoes and citrus products. Generally seeds do not germinate until they have been dried due to germination inhibitors that are broken down during the drying process. However, on occasion seeds will germinate within a fruit prior to drying under ideal storage conditions. The natural quality attribute does not affect the product quality and safety. A tomato product with vivipary is of good quality and is perfectly safe for consumption.
Does cat facing affect the flavor in tomatoes?
Cat facing is a natural physiological problem caused by cool temperatures, usually around 55 degrees when the flowers are pollinated on a tomato plant. Some varieties of tomatoes are more prone to cat facing than others. Cat facing does not affect the flavor or the quality of the tomato. A tomato product with cat facing is of good quality and is perfectly safe for consumption.
Should I store my tomatoes in the refrigerator?
Tomatoes should never be refrigerated, they lose their flavor. Always store your tomatoes on the counter at room temperature.
Should I store my peppers and cucumbers in the refrigerator?
Yes, peppers and cucumbers should be stored in the refrigerator as it will best protect them from moisture loss and spoilage.
The One Sweet™ Tomato has an unusually sweet taste that is not natural for this variety. How is the sugar induced into this product?
Tomatoes naturally produce sugar. Particular varieties of tomatoes produce an elevated level of sugar. The One Sweet™ Tomato was developed to produce an extremely high level of sugar creating an extremely sweet tomato that is full of flavor.
Are SUNSET® mini cucumbers a type of pickling cuke?
These are not considered pickling cucumbers however; they can be pickled. Your pickles won't be as crunchy using the SUNSET® mini cukes because of their thin edible skin. They will also have a different taste because they are sweeter than a typical pickling cucumber.
What is the average tomato shelf life?
The typical shelf life for our tomatoes is two weeks after harvest or pick day. After purchase, SUNSET® tomatoes should last up to 7 days, kept at room temperature.
Are SUNSET® products GMO free?
All of our products are started from seed stock that would not be in the classification of genetically modified organisms. We do not do business with seed suppliers that use microbiological or biochemical processes to alter the genetic expression of any part of the plant or the foods that they produce. All of our products are from plant hybrids that reproduce the old-fashioned way – by natural plant breeding. We have joined the Non-GMO Project’s Verification Program. For a list of the products we have enrolled see www.nongmoproject.org.
Do you use pesticides or herbicides in your greenhouse?
SUNSET® products are grown in environmentally-controlled greenhouses where our plants are pollinated with bees or we use self-pollinating plant varieties. Our bees live throughout the year in colonies that are placed in our environmentally-controlled greenhouses. Harmful insects, if any, are mostly controlled with friendly insects like Lady Bugs and friendly species of wasps. Herbicides are used often in the produce industry as a method to control weed growth. However, Herbicides are not used on our products due to our method of growing produce. Because of our Good Agricultural Practices, use of chemicals like pesticides and fungicides are most often not needed.
Are wax or coatings used on SUNSET® products?
We do not apply any waxes or coatings of any type to our products. The shine that you notice on the fruit comes from a natural wax, called paraffin, that the fruit produces itself.
Are SUNSET® products considered Organic? And are Organic products ‘chemical free’?
SUNSET® products are grown both conventionally and organically. Product labeled as SUNSET® Organics are grown organically. Please see the organics section of the website for a complete list of products. Organic labeled products are considered to be ‘chemical free’.
