grainger county tomatoes
A "Grainger County tomato" is a locally grown tomato from Grainger County, Tennessee, famous across East Tennessee for its rich flavor. To locals, the name means more than produce - it’s a mark of home and pride.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
No tomato tastes quite like a 'Grainger County tomato.' My Mom always said it was probably because of the soil. Pronunciation
[GRAYN-jur KOWN-tee tuh-MAY-toe]
Meaning & Usage
- A tomato grown in Grainger County, Tennessee (noun)
Mae:
Where’d these come from?
Where’d these come from?
Earl:
They’re Grainger County tomatoes - best you’ll ever eat.
They’re Grainger County tomatoes - best you’ll ever eat.- A symbol of East Tennessee pride (noun, figurative)
Mae:
What makes ’em so special?
What makes ’em so special?
Earl:
Soil, hills, and years of folks growin’ right - that’s a Grainger County tomato.
Soil, hills, and years of folks growin’ right - that’s a Grainger County tomato.★ Grainger County tomatoes are so beloved they’ve got their own annual festival in Rutledge, Tennessee, drawing crowds every summer. ★
Origin
Tomatoes from Grainger County, with its unique soil and climate, became famous in East Tennessee by the mid-20th century. Over time, the name grew into a local brand that signals freshness and quality.
Notes
Very well-known across East Tennessee, but outside the region most folks have never heard of them. To locals, though, the name alone is enough to start a conversation - and often a craving.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "Grain-jur County tuh-may-toe." In East Tennessee speech, "Grainger" often softens toward "Granger."