The spotlight at this year’s Rutgers’ tomato tasting belonged to a brand-new Jersey variety: the Scarlet Sunrise.

The sweet, crack-resistant grape tomato has been cultivated for nearly a decade, and on Wednesday the public got its first bite at the annual event in Pittstown. Developed by Rutgers scientists Peter Nitzsche and Tom Orton, Scarlet Sunrise combines the firmness of a traditional grape tomato with the striking color and sweetness of a bicolor heirloom.

“In the marketplace, good-tasting grape tomatoes often look exactly like the not-so-good ones,” said Nitzsche, agricultural and natural resources agent with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Morris County. “So, we set out to make an identifiable, great-tasting grape tomato.”

To get there, Orton cross-pollinated an heirloom variety known for its flavor with a commercial red grape tomato prized for its durability. The result: a golden tomato with a reddish blush that’s as eye-catching as it is flavorful.

The project began in 2012, and it took more than 13 years of testing and refining before Scarlet Sunrise was ready for farmers and gardeners, Nitzsche said. Rutgers is now working with seed companies to make it commercially available. And because Scarlet Sunrise grows to 8 feet, researchers are looking for ways to create a shorter, easier-to-manage version.

This year’s unveiling comes as New Jersey farmers have faced a difficult growing season marked by heat, heavy rains and disease pressure.

“When fields are water-soaked, it’s hard to plant, and the extra moisture encourages fungal disease,” Nitzsche said. “On top of that, when temperatures climb above 90 during the day and stay above 70 at night, tomatoes don’t pollinate well. Sometimes the flowers just drop off.”

For farmers, foodies, and tomato lovers alike, the tasting offered more than just a snack. It was a glimpse into the science and resilience behind one of New Jersey’s most beloved crops.