Date:  May 29, 2025  |   Story: Tiffany Adams  |   Photography: Rett Peek  |  

All hail the mighty tomato! Recognized as both the official state fruit and vegetable, Arkansans from Farmington to Junction City take pride in staking a tomato garden and waiting for the symbol of summer to appear. Whether on a salad, a BLT, or simply sliced with a dash of salt, the tomato endures as one of the season’s most flavorful and healthy choices.

Arkansas tomato fame often traces to the small town of Warren, where the pink tomatoes that now have prominence on the state stage were first recognized. In the 1950s, the area became known for production of a tomato that could be picked when it first began to ripen. Because they were harvested earlier, “pink tomatoes” had a longer shelf life, meaning they could be shipped to further locales. Varieties like ‘Bradley Pink’ or ‘Traveler’ (which is also widely known as the ‘Arkansas Traveler’) are popular picks. For almost seven decades now, Warren has played host to the Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival each June. Head south this month to get your fill of these juicy, locally grown fruits—or vegetables, if you prefer.

Looking for more upcoming food festivals? Read the latest release of our sister publication, PLATED: The Arkansas Dining Guide, available exclusively at platedmag.com.