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NAPLES, Fla., Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Joe Procacci's tomatoes are said to taste great, but Florida officials say no matter, they're just too ugly to represent the state in the nation's markets.
Procacci, a South Florida produce grower who has bred a special variety of tomato, says he sacrificed looks for taste, USA Today said Thursday. Called UglyRipes, they are misshapen and scarred but with a unique flavor.
However, Florida's strict marketing rules require that the state's tomatoes look almost perfect or they can't be sold out of state during the winter. And, that's when UglyRipes sell the best.
Some growers complain that Procacci's crop could wreck the reputation of Florida tomatoes.
"Last year, we had to dump $3 million worth of tomatoes and we had customers who were begging for them," says Procacci, who is taking on the state in what's being called the battle of the ugly tomatoes.
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