Whirlwind Tour of Heirloom Tomato Varieties

One bite into any variety of heirloom tomatoes would yield a delicious flavor like no other, it is no wonder that it is one of the preferred gardener's choice. From Green Zebra to Missouri Pink Love Apple, Black Brandywine to Sun Gold, heirloom tomatoes plants vary in size, color and flavor; you are able to pick and choose those that you wish to plant.

There are many reasons why heirloom tomatoes are popular; many love the fact that the tomatoes are certified organic as confirmed by the USDA organization. In addition, the heirloom tomato seeds have the ability to reproduce continuously for close to 50 years while producing the same variety.

Heirloom Tomatoes vs. Hybrid Tomatoes

What separates the tomato heirloom varieties from that of the hybrid tomatoes? For one thing, heirloom tomatoes must be planted outdoors in order for them to be pollinated. They are really old-fashioned, heritage tomatoes with outstanding refreshing flavors and rare tomato seed varieties. Their texture and colors are also outstanding, and best of all they are of organic origin. It is natural for tomato heirloom varieties to deteriorate at a very fast rate.

When planting varieties of heirloom tomatoes, you can start with an ounce for your first crop. This may seem like a small amount but it can really grow up to 2,000 plants. By purchasing one pack of seeds, you can plant them and save your seeds so that you would not have to return to the store for more seeds in a hurry.

Heirloom tomato seeds have been handed down for many years from generation to generation of tomato growers. Their love for heirloom tomatoes has been shared with their neighbors and communities and the varieties have names, which tell of their origins and the people who have reveled in growing them. Their variety of flavor and color has increased their popularity in the commercial market. You will discover that the redder the heirloom tomato is, the sweeter it would taste. Darker colored tomatoes on the other hand, are generally a nice mixture between sweet and tart; green and white heirloom tomato varieties are bitter in taste. Heirloom tomatoes are known for their organic origins, their antioxidants, vitamins,
and their cancer preventing agents.

Popular Heirloom Tomato Varieties and Ways to Prepare Them

Cherokee Purple: This variety heirloom tomato was originally grown by the Cherokee Indians over 100 years ago, and is named after them. It is sweet yet smoky in taste and is considered one of the best heirlooms. Large in size compared to many heirloom tomato varieties, Cherokee Purple tomatoes are also great for roasting. Cherokee Purple is a great addition to many dishes including the Mexican Pico de Gallo salsa. You simply chop a couple of these tomatoes with half a jalapeno pepper chopped; add a couple of spoons of chopped onion, some fresh coriander, a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Brandywine is an heirloom tomato variety that is the most well-known heirloom tomato variety from the late 1800’s. It is a large fruited pink, oddly shaped tomato with red flesh and a clear skin. It starts out pink, and then turns slowly red and slightly purple as it ripens completely. Like the Cherokee Purple, it tends to be larger than other varieties and is quite difficult for roasting.

Great White: This heirloom tomato is a sweet and juicy yellow tomato, with low acidic levels. This variety is delicious when sliced and served with a little ground sea salt and a dash of fresh pepper.

Green Zebra: This is a green tomato, which when ripe has yellow stripes. It is sweet yet slightly tart at the same time in taste. These tomatoes go great in a pasta dish. Add them chopped at the last minute to your pasta mix in the pan just before serving.

Snow White Cherry: This yellow tomato heirloom varieties is similar to the cherry tomato. It is sweet in flavor, and delicious when tossed in a salad.

Lemon Boy: This is a brightly flavored low acid tomato, which is perfect for slicing and tossing into salads to add color.

Marvel Stripe Tomatoes: Marvel Stripe tomatoes can be considered as all-purpose tomatoes. They are best when they are eaten raw and definitely add color to salads. However, when cooked, these tomatoes eventually lose their colors.

Growing Heirloom Tomatoes

As with everything, there are positives and negatives concerning heirloom tomato varieties. If you decide to grow heirlooms, you will probably encounter some problems, which you could avoid if you grow hybrid varieties. Hybrids have many of the disease resistant characteristics bred into them.; some heirlooms do not. Therefore, some heirloom tomato plants may not be so successful in thriving especially depending on your geographical location.

Before you begin planting from heirloom tomato seeds, there are a few things that you need to know. If you want to reap great tomatoes, you need to choose the right type of soil to do so. Most gardening experts would recommend that you use soil that contains organic compost. Others recommend that you drain your soil to yield a better crop.

You can easily check to see if your soil’s is moist enough by putting a small amount in your hand to test it. Gently squeeze the soil together forming it into a round shape. The sign that the soil is good for planting is when it falls apart. However, if the soil has a consistency similar to clay, then you should immediately add some compost to loosen the soil.

When you start planting, remember to position your seeds evenly; it is suggested by gardening experts that you at least space them out at two inches.

Effective Production of Heirloom Tomatoes

If you would like to ensure effective production of true-to-type heirloom tomato seeds, keep the varieties isolated from other varieties to prevent cross-pollination. Too many varieties grown together in the same plot will result in crosses of different varieties. While they might be good, they will not be the same as the desired true parent variety.