EC, thanks for bringing up my old bowling league teammate! A real shame Johnny had to die so young. That man had more energy than just about anyone I knew.edible complex wrote:it's all in the alluvial...I always liked Johnny Becnel's 'cause he has good dirt.
I found someone at the St. Martinville Farmer's Market yrs back selling creoles that tasted just like JB's. this guy worked for him and was able to start his crop from some of JB's vines. must have had good dirt down there too, as these were mighty fine tomatuh's.
If you go to the Becnel's Belle Chasse store and get the Creoles, going for about $12/box, they can't hold a candle to the Creoles of the old days. You do bring up a good point though. Along with the dirt, the MOST important thing is having great seeds, and Johnny always had the best, which stands to reason since they were just his seeds saved from year to year. Also noted that you mentioned it was "years back" that you found them in St. Martinsville. I certainly agree with that!
They are all about "pretty" and "meaty" now, and not about flavor. Give me the old style.
Man...I miss them.