Heirloom Tomatoes

 What are heirloom tomatoes?

Heirloom tomatoes are a type of tomato that has been passed down through generations of gardeners. They are typically open-pollinated, which means that they have been pollinated naturally by insects or wind, rather than by human intervention. This makes them unique and diverse, with a wide range of colors, shapes, and flavors.

Why are heirloom tomatoes special?

Heirloom tomatoes are prized for their flavor and their unique characteristics. They often have a richer, more complex flavor than hybrid tomatoes, and they can be a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, purple, and black. Heirloom tomatoes are also more nutritious than hybrid tomatoes, as they contain higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

How to grow heirloom tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes can be grown in most gardens, but they do require a bit more care than hybrid tomatoes. They need full sun and well-drained soil. They should also be watered regularly, especially during hot weather. Heirloom tomatoes are susceptible to some pests and diseases, so it is important to inspect them regularly and take action if necessary.

Where to buy heirloom tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes can be found at farmers markets, specialty produce stores, and some grocery stores. They are often more expensive than hybrid tomatoes, but they are worth the price for their unique flavor and nutritional value.

Here are some popular heirloom tomato varieties:

• Brandywine: A large, juicy tomato with a sweet, complex flavor.
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  Brandywine heirloom tomato
• Cherokee Purple: A dark purple tomato with a rich, fruity flavor.
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  Cherokee Purple heirloom tomato
• Black Krim: A black tomato with a smoky, sweet flavor.
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  Black Krim heirloom tomato
• Green Zebra: A striped tomato with a mild, tangy flavor.
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  Green Zebra heirloom tomato
• Pineapple: A yellow tomato with a sweet, pineapple-like flavor.
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  Pineapple heirloom tomato

Conclusion

Heirloom tomatoes are a delicious and nutritious way to add flavor to your meals. They are also a great way to support local farmers and preserve the genetic diversity of tomatoes. If you are looking for a unique and flavorful tomato experience, heirloom tomatoes are the way to go.

I hope this article has helped you learn more about heirloom tomatoes. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

WATERMELON TENDERSWEET ORANGE

Oblong melons 30-40 lbs. Medium thick rind with bright orange flesh. High sugar content and very sweet. Plant in rich well composted soil. 

WATERMELON SUGAR BABY

Early variety. Small round melons 8-12 lbs. Fine texture and very sweet. Plant in full sun. Prefers rich soil.  

WATERMELON MOUNTAIN SWEET YELLOW

This is a beautiful large watermelon with dark green skin and light green stripes and can grow up to 35 pounds. When it is cut the bright yellow flesh is a nice surprise. With a very high sugar content the flesh is super sweet and yummy. Easy to grow and does best in warmer weather. 

WATERMELON KLONDIKE BLUE RIBBON STRIPED

Scarlet red flesh and thin rind. Very sweet. Average size of melons is 20-30 lbs. Watermelons like rich well composted soil.  

WATERMELON DIXIE QUEEN

Melons average 40bs. Deep red flesh with tough light green rind. Very crisp and sweet. Plant in full sun. Needs rich well drained soil. 

TOMATO YELLOW PLUM

Heirloom variety. Very productive sturdy plants that produce bright yellow small plum shaped tomatoes. Taste sweet and mild.  

TOMATO YELLOW PERFECTION

This potato leaf heirloom originally from an old British seed company produces 1 1/2 to 2-inch, round, brilliant-yellow, thin-skinned and delicious fruits. And they are . . .Perfect! 75 Days Indeterminate  

TOMATO YELLOW PEAR

An enormous number of yellow, bite sized, baby pear shaped fruits from this extremely old variety on vigorous plants ! The flavor is deliciously tangy and makes a perfect addition to your summer party trays. 85 Days Indeterminate 

TOMATO YELLOW PEACH

Also known as Jaune Peche a French heirloom from 1862. This was an absolute favorite last summer. The fruits are actually fuzzy exactly like tiny peaches. Great keepers, you can leave them on the table for a month or more and they are still perfect. Round 1 – 1 1/2 inch peach colored tomatoes with a mild yet sweet fruity flavor that improves with age. Everyone wants them once they see and taste them. 75-85 Days  

TOMATO THESSALONIKI

This heirloom tomato comes from a Greek island, introduced to the USA in the 1950's, and it has been popular ever since. It's very productive, and it doesn't crack. The large, red fruits are 4" in diameter and weigh about 7 oz. Great tomato flavor. Mildly earthy, slightly acidic flavor ranked high in our taste tests. Indeterminate. (65-70 days)  

TOMATO TAXI

This is a great tomato for smaller gardens. Stout plants to 2' with an abundance of medium sized yellow tomatoes. Great taste with low acid. 

TOMATO SWEET OLIVE

(GRAPE) Sweet, bite sized red fruit. A perfect snack and great in salads. Medium tall plant, productive. Determinate  

TOMATO SWEET MILLION

Absolutely wonderful flavor with incredible yield. These super sweet cherry tomatoes start producing early and keep on until frost. Long clusters of 1 - 1 1/2 " fruits will keep your kids happy in the garden. 

TOMATO SWEET 100

65 days. Indeterminate. Huge clusters of 1 inch cherry tomatoes. Mouth watering very sweet flavor high in vitamin C. Vigorous vines bear abundantly all season. 

TOMATO SUPERSTEAK

Excellent producer of huge red tomatoes. Usually will get 1-2lbs meaty and delicious fruit. A vigorous plant in full sun. 

TOMATO SUN GOLD

Sun Gold tomatoes are a type of cherry tomato that have gained a reputation for their exceptional flavor and color. These small, orange-yellow tomatoes are incredibly sweet and juicy, making them a popular choice for salads, snacking, and cooking.

Originally developed by the Japanese seed company Sakata Seeds, SunGold tomatoes were first introduced in the United States in the late 1990s. Since then, they have become a favorite of gardeners, chefs, and food enthusiasts around the world.

One of the reasons that SunGold tomatoes are so popular is their flavor. Unlike some cherry tomatoes that can be bland or watery, SunGolds are incredibly sweet and fruity, with a complex flavor that is both tart and tangy. They are also very juicy, with a thin skin that bursts in your mouth with every bite.

In addition to their flavor, SunGold tomatoes are also highly nutritious. They are a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants and other important nutrients. Plus, they are low in calories, making them a great choice for those watching their weight.

Another benefit of SunGold tomatoes is their versatility. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to soups and sauces. They also pair well with a range of flavors, including fresh herbs, garlic, onions, and other vegetables.

Growing SunGold tomatoes is relatively easy, as they are a hardy variety that is resistant to many common tomato diseases. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil, and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. With proper care, they can produce an abundant harvest throughout the growing season.

Overall, SunGold tomatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden or kitchen. Their sweet, juicy flavor and bright color make them a standout choice for salads, snacks, and other dishes. Whether you grow them yourself or buy them at the grocery store or farmer's market, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves great-tasting food.

TOMATO SUN CHERRY

Extra sweet, prolific bearer. Wonderful in salads, pasta or out of hand! Indeterminate, 58 days to mature.  

TOMATO STUPICE

A great tomato ! The ABSOLUTE very best tasting early heirloom variety. This tomato from Czechoslovakia has big flavor, is sweet and tangy and all in a 3 to 4 ounce red, round fruit. Very early with an abundant yield from this small plant. Bears well in hot weather and cold. 52 Days Indeterminate  

TOMATO SIBERIAN

Very early tomato. Sets fruit in cool weather. Medium sized bright red tomatoes with good flavor. Popular for fall planting.