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Host Dan Pashman and guest Kenny Malone travel to the Rutgers Research Farm to investigate the creation of a new grape tomato called Scarlet Sunrise, developed by agriculture researchers Peter Nietzsche and Tom Orton. The episode explores why the produce aisle has exploded with branded, premium fruits and vegetables since the 1970 Plant Variety Protection Act, the Bayh-Dole Act, and the 1991 launch of the Honeycrisp apple. Economist Miguel Gomez of Cornell University explains how growers use proprietary genetics and branding to escape the commodity trap, while consumers demand more variety and differentiation. Finally, Pashman tastes the Scarlet Sunrise and discovers that the researchers' bigger breakthrough might be a compact tomato plant that cuts growing costs significantly.
Dan opens with a recap of his recent trip to Myrtle Beach, highlighting its attractions and culinary scene.
Dan and Kenny transition to discussing New Jersey’s tomato heritage and the new Scarlet Sunrise variety.
Dan, Kenny, and economist Miguel discuss how laws and incentives drive the rise of branded produce varieties.
The hosts arrive at the Rutgers Experimental Farm to meet the scientists behind the new tomato.
Tom and Pete describe the multi‑generation breeding and selection that produced Scarlet Sunrise.
The hosts taste the new tomato, noting its flavor profile and potential market appeal.
The conversation turns to how the new variety could reduce labor costs and reshape tomato farming economics.
Dan wraps up, invites listeners to submit hot takes, and promotes the Sporkful brand and SiriusXM app.
Visiting Rutgers Experimental Farmstory
The host and guest arrive at the 390-acre Rutgers Experimental Farm to examine the birthplace of the Scarlet Sunrise tomato.
Legal Changes Behind Produce Brandsdata
The Plant Variety Protection Act of 1970 and the Bayh-Dole Act allowed researchers and universities to monetize new agricultural developments.
Breeding the Scarlet Sunrisestory
Researchers crossed a sweet bi-color cherry tomato called Isis Candy with a hardier red grape tomato to create a new variety.
The Economic Commodity Trapinsight
An economist explains how growers compete by lowering prices on unbranded commodities and must differentiate to survive.
Market Saturation in Tomatoesinsight
Unlike apples, which may have reached market saturation, the tomato category continues to expand as consumers seek variety.
Tasting the Scarlet Sunrisestory
The host finally tastes the Scarlet Sunrise and finds it strikes the right balance between meatiness, sweetness, and acidity.
A Compact Plant Breakthroughinsight
Researchers discovered a tomato plant half the normal size, which could dramatically reduce harvesting and labor costs for farmers.
“In fact, almost a century ago, a scientist at Rutgers University developed a new New Jersey tomato that became the tomato.”
“The university made north of 20 million bucks from it, but they could have made much more.”
“The cost of growing grape tomatoes is one of the biggest deterrents.”
“Tom actually estimates this could save growers somewhere between 25 and 50%.”
In New Jersey, the tomato is king. Almost a century ago, a scientist at Rutgers University developed a variety that became the tomato that lined grocery store shelves for decades. Now, Rutgers scientists are at it again.
8,666 words · 8 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
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