Just a wild guess but they are probably being picked mainly for shipping elsewhere and being picked early for optimal ripeness once they arrive at their final destination. I believe the best of the tomatoes in the south were picked weeks or months ago so tomatoes from the north are commonly what are stocked on our grocery shelves right now. Since these farms are picking their plants early anticipating shipping elsewhere you are getting green tomatoes when they arrive only a day or two after picking.
Also, keep in mind that fully ripened tomatoes don’t ship well at all as they are so easily damaged. I see a lot more stores contracting with local growers for their seasonal tomatoes (a fruit), vegetables, and basil.
Tom Lehmann/The Dough Doctor
