These seedless tomatoes are a summertime favorite among our customers. Juicy & delicious with a firm, meaty texture.
Every summer, a local gem returns to the Pacific Northwest produce scene: the Oregon Star tomato. These seedless tomatoes are a summertime favorite among our customers, juicy and delicious, with a firm, meaty texture. Grown in the rich soils of Gaston, Oregon by Charlie Harris of Flamingo Ridge Farms, Oregon Star tomatoes are a seasonal favorite that capture the essence of Oregon’s summer harvest.
Where They Come From
Oregon Star tomatoes were first developed at Oregon State University in the mid-1980s, bred specifically for flavor and texture. Their firm, juicy flesh and low seed count make them ideal for slicing, layering, and savoring.
- Seedless by design: Oregon Star tomatoes are “parthenocarpic,” meaning the plant sets fruit without needing pollination. That’s the biology behind their signature low seed count, it’s not just careful selection, it’s built into the variety.
- Low-acid, too: on top of being seedless, Oregon Star tomatoes are low-acid, which is part of what makes them so gentle and versatile for both raw and cooked dishes.
The Farm
Flamingo Ridge Farms has been a cornerstone of local agriculture since 1986 with Charlie Harris at the helm, cultivating produce that reflects both quality and care.
- Located about 5 miles outside Gaston, Oregon, in the northern Willamette Valley.
- A small, family-run operation, yet in a single season, Charlie has grown as much as 150,000 pounds of tomatoes.
- The farm is largely water self-sufficient, using rain collection ponds, and in wetter years even releases surplus water to the nearby forest.
Whether tucked into a BLT, featured in a Caprese salad with fresh-stretched mozzarella and basil, or blended into a chilled gazpacho, Oregon Star tomatoes shine in every dish.
Kitchen Tips Worth Sharing
- No peeling needed: unlike most tomatoes, Oregon Star tomatoes don’t need to be scalded or peeled before cooking, they can go straight into sauce or canning, which saves a lot of prep work.
- They cook down into a natural sauce: their texture breaks down beautifully on its own, making them a favorite for homemade tomato sauce and paste.
- Great for slicing and salads: their firm, meaty texture and low seed count make them ideal for sandwiches, Caprese salads, and other dishes where you want clean slices.
- They freeze exceptionally well: customers can freeze them and use them all winter long straight in soups, chili, or sauces.
Look for Oregon Star tomatoes featured in items throughout our deli like the Caprese sandwich and salad, BLT and of course Tomato Gazpacho created exclusively for Zupan’s from local Souper Natural soups.
