Identifying Heirloom Tomatoes
These vibrant, colorful fruits are nothing like your grocery store tomatoes...and they are worth seeking out.
There are hundreds of heirloom tomatoes available, mostly at farms and farmers' markets. Heirloom means that the seeds have been passed down from generation to generation, generally for at least 50 years, and that the plants naturally pollinate.
Tomato expert Craig LeHouiller said it best: “Heirloom tomatoes are like a box of chocolates. There is no correlation between color and flavor. Some will be sweet, some will be tart, some mild, some intense.”
So buy a bunch of the varieties listed below and enjoy the ride.
Black Prince Tomatoes
Black Prince Tomatoes grow to maturity in 70 days and produce 3 to 5 ounce sized fruit. Their color is striking.
Vintage Wine Tomatoes
Vintage wine tomatoes can grow sweet, mild fruit up to 1 ½ pounds each.
Brandywine
Brandywine are a popular variety that are slower to mature but prized for their sweet, mildly acidic flavor.
Costoluto Genovese
Costoluto Genovese is a 19th century Italian heirloom that is popular for eating fresh and preserving. Their distinctive ridges make them easy to spot.
Golden Sunray
Golden Sunray are popular tomatoes to grow in warmer climates as they are heat and drought resistant. They tend to be slightly sweeter and less acidic than other varieties.
Green Zebra
Green Zebra is a tangy varietal popular in salads. Not to be confused with green, or unripe tomatoes, Green Zebra tomatoes are green even when fully ripe.
