<p>Lipman is debuting its newest grape tomato variety, Ripe Bites. This follows the October launch of the Crimson Queen and is the second Florida-grown proprietary variety to go into full production this year for Lipman.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Ripe Bites were created by Lipman’s research and development team, led by Mark Barineau, Ph.D., Director of Breeding, according to a press release. The variety is grown exclusively in Lipman’s Naples, Florida based retractable-roof greenhouse and presents a deep red color, high brix content and is available consistently throughout the Florida growing season.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>“We began testing Ripe Bites last year, in both protected and open field conditions,” said Barineau. “They fared better in protected agriculture conditions and the feedback was so overwhelmingly positive that we decided to dedicate the entire five-acre greenhouse to Ripe Bites production.”</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>“There is a deep connection between R & D and sustainability,” added Barineau. “By creating varieties that produce greater yields and require less inputs, we are lessening our environmental impact. As growers, being sustainable is always a major advantage … and a top priority.”</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p> The Ripe Bites high sugar content paired with exposure to natural elements caused splitting, a problem eradicated under protected conditions. Lipman’s greenhouse provides additional benefits as well, including lower water and input requirements to ensure the health of the plant – which contributes to the company’s focus on sustainability.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href=" http://www.lipmanproduce.com/products/tomatoes" target="_new">Lipman</a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
