WHILE tomato prices are at an all-time high in India, why don’t we take a look at the other varieties grown around the world, especially heirloom tomatoes that go beyond the traditional red? Unlike the bland hybrid varieties found in supermarkets, heirloom tomatoes have been passed down through generations of growers.
These turgid tomatoes offer a stunning array of colours, from the Green Zebra's green and yellow stripes to the Black Krim's deep purple-red. Their flavours are unmatched, be it the Brandywine's rich tanginess or the Cherokee Purple's delightful sweetness. These tomatoes come in various shapes and sizes, from the massive Beefsteak weighing up to 2 kg to the tiny Currant tomato that resembles a pea. The Lemon Boy's lumpy appearance and the deeply ribbed Costoluto Genovese add to the diversity of shapes.
Where are Heirloom Tomatoes Found and Grown?
Heirloom tomatoes are predominantly found and grown in regions with suitable climates and growing conditions. These regions include parts of North America, Europe, and some other temperate regions of the world. Their cultivation is often favoured by home gardeners, local farmers, and enthusiasts who value the unique characteristics and flavours of these heritage varieties. Additionally, countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Poland have a rich heritage of heirloom tomato cultivation, where extreme weather conditions have led to the development of hardy varieties.
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Now, let's dive into 10 heirloom tomato varieties commonly found in the market:
Beefsteak Tomato
The Beefsteak tomato, with its massive size and flattened shape, is renowned for its sweet, robust flavour accompanied by notes of spice and herbs. Its large, orange-red fruits boast a ribbed appearance and contain a meaty, succulent flesh that offers a complex taste—tangy with a subtle earthiness. Dating back to the late 1800s, this heirloom variety embodies the essence of a truly ripe and juicy tomato.
Currant Tomato
Despite its diminutive size, the Currant tomato surprises with an intense tomatoey flavour concentrated in its small, round fruits. Available in vibrant red and yellow hues, these little gems offer a burst of tomato essence, perfectly balanced between acidity and sweetness. Ideal for adding an intense tomato flavour to dishes, the Currant tomato encapsulates the essence of summer in a tiny package.
Green Zebra
The Green Zebra tomato presents a visually striking appearance with its small, round fruits displaying bright green and yellow stripes. Its juicy, emerald-green flesh delivers a zingy, citrusy flavour with herbaceous overtones. Developed in the 1980s, this variety offers a unique and refreshing twist on traditional tomato taste, appealing to those seeking an adventurous culinary experience.
Black Krim
Featuring a deep purple-red colour and thick skin, the Black Krim tomato is a visually mesmerising variety. Its large, flattened fruits conceal a deep red flesh with a rich, smoky flavour, complemented by hints of molasses and chocolate. Originating from Russia in the 1880s, this heirloom tomato offers an unusual and deeply satisfying taste that sets it apart from other varieties.
Lemon Boy
Resembling lemons in both shape and colour, the Lemon Boy tomato boasts a bright, citrusy flavour with refreshing notes of lime and lemon zest. Its small, misshapen fruits exude a vibrant yellow hue, harbouring a pale yellow flesh that tantalises with its tartness and a taste reminiscent of lemonade. Developed in the 1990s, this variety provides a unique lemon-flavoured twist on the classic tomato.
Costoluto Genovese
The Costoluto Genovese tomato, with its large, bulbous fruits and deep red colour, captivates the eye. Its meaty, aromatic flesh offers an intense, rich flavour with hints of herbs and spices. Balancing sweetness with a slightly spicy kick, this Italian variety, dating back to the 1800s, adds depth and complexity to any dish it graces.
Brandywine Tomato
Renowned for its sublime, tangy flavour with hints of citrus and a pleasant acidity, the Brandywine tomato features large, pink beefsteak fruits filled with an abundance of luscious, orange flesh. Prized by gardeners since the 1880s, this variety showcases an intensely tomatoey, rich, and savoury taste that elevates any culinary creation.
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Cherokee Purple
The Cherokee Purple tomato stands out with its dusky pink skin and crimson flesh, offering a complex and rich flavour reminiscent of red wine. Balancing sweetness and acidity with finesse, its large, beefsteak fruits provide an old-fashioned tomato taste that captures the essence of summer. This heirloom variety has been cherished for over a century, predating 1890.
San Marzano
Considered the king of sauce tomatoes, the San Marzano variety is celebrated for its intensely rich and savoury flavour. Its small, plum-shaped fruits boast a distinctive pointed end and a bright red colour. With a meaty, aromatic flesh, this Italian heirloom offers a robust, full-bodied taste that has made it the standard tomato for Neapolitan cuisine since the 1700s.
Yellow Pear
Radiating a cheerful golden yellow colour, the Yellow Pear tomato offers a mild, citrusy flavour with tropical undertones. Its small, pear-shaped fruits feature a juicy, pale yellow flesh that strikes a perfect balance between acidity and a slightly sweet taste. This variety, cultivated since the 1700s, adds a touch of uniqueness to the tomato world with its subtle and unexpected flavour profile.
While heirloom tomatoes may not be suitable for cultivation in certain regions, their merits and allure extend beyond their geographic limitations. They serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional agricultural practices and the rich tapestry of flavours and colours that define our food culture.