At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What are Heirloom Tomatoes?
While there may be some controversy over the specifics, heirloom tomatoes are generally considered old-fashioned or “antique” varieties of the fruit. They are often produced from seeds that have been passed down from one generation to another. Available in varieties with diverse characteristics, heirloom tomatoes tend to be prized for their distinctive flavors.
Unlike hybrids, heirloom tomatoes are open pollinated. An open pollinated plant reproduces “true to type” from its own seeds. Seeds from hybrid plants, if they grow at all, typically revert to parent stock. Hybrid tomatoes are grown under carefully controlled conditions to produce qualities suitable for the rigors of commercial distribution. Because hybrids are typically picked while green and artificially ripened during shipping, they tend to be less flavorful than heirloom tomatoes.
Heirloom tomatoes are allowed to ripen naturally, so they are found only in season. Ripe heirloom tomatoes are relatively fragile and do not keep long. They can be kept at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, only a day or two. Tomatoes should not be refrigerated, as refrigeration causes both flavor and texture to deteriorate.
Varieties of heirloom tomatoes may be selected for specific characteristics of the plant. Such characteristics include the yield of fruit produced, as well as the type of fruit produced. Some heirloom tomatoes are best eaten “out of hand,” while others are superior for making juice, sauce, paste, and other products.
Appearance of mature fruit differs greatly from one variety to another in size, shape, color, texture, flavor, and other traits. Sizes range from the bite-sized cherry tomatoes to individual fruits weighing as much as two pounds (907 grams). Fruit may be oblong, elongated, pear-shaped, plum-shaped, or round, with some varieties bearing ridges on their exterior surface.
Colors include shades of white, yellow, green, pink, orange, red, purple, and black. Some varieties of heirloom tomatoes yield fruit in combinations of colors. In general, the lighter the color, the less acidic or sweeter the tomato tastes. Conversely, the deeper the color, the more acidic and definitive the tomato tastes.
Although other sorts of plants are propagated through heirloom methods, tomatoes are among the most popular. Many varieties have unique histories, and some gardeners plant heirloom tomatoes out of nostalgia or a sense of connection with the past. Others grow heirlooms because the practice helps maintain genetic diversity – a quality vital to plant survival. Regardless of motivation, a number of individuals and organizations are dedicated to securing the future existence of heirloom tomatoes.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Yellow heirloom tomatoes.]()
By: martinleeYellow heirloom tomatoes. -
![Seeds for heirloom tomatoes can often be purchased from vendors at farmer's markets.]()
By: WavebreakmediaMicroSeeds for heirloom tomatoes can often be purchased from vendors at farmer's markets. -
![Heirloom tomatoes need to be kept out of direct sunlight.]()
By: Lulu BerluHeirloom tomatoes need to be kept out of direct sunlight. -
![Heirloom tomatoes come in several different colors.]()
By: rolaleksandrHeirloom tomatoes come in several different colors. -
![Green zebra tomatoes are considered to be a modern heirloom tomato in some circles.]()
By: MediablitzImagesGreen zebra tomatoes are considered to be a modern heirloom tomato in some circles. -
![Black tomatoes may be considered heirloom tomatoes.]()
By: Elena BelyaevaBlack tomatoes may be considered heirloom tomatoes.
Discussion Comments
Heirloom tomatoes have always reminded me more of gourds and squashes than tomatoes. The amazing colors, patters and swirling designs are so different than what we expect when we see a tomato. Heirloom tomatoes look like red ink swirling around in a glass of water. They are beautiful
If you are interested in growing heirloom tomatoes, find someone at a farmers market that has heirloom seeds for sale. The only way to grow an heirloom tomato is to grow it from the seed of an heirloom tomato. This sounds obvious, but this is not the case with many tomatoes. Hybrid tomatoes cannot be grown from their own seeds. They are products of the laboratory. Heirloom tomato seeds have to be purchased from a gardener with experience growing these fruits. That means you are getting a quality seed and supporting you local economy. Its a win win.
I have been growing heirloom tomatoes in my backyard for years and I just want to echo all the nice things that are mentioned in this article. The look, feel, taste and smell of heirloom tomatoes is far and away better than anything available in the grocery store grown by and industrial farmer. These are the kings of tomatoes.
Tomatoes are everywhere. We use them in sauces, put them on almost every sandwich we eat and work them into dishes from around the world. But we have become used to the simple red mostly flavorless tomato that has come to dominate the landscape. The heirloom tomato is a nice antidote to this predictably.
Heirloom tomatoes look like tomatoes from Mars. They come in all shades of colors, have a variety of patterns and shadings, come in big and small formats and produce a wide and thrilling range of flavors. The breadth and depth of these tomatoes is really amazing. For anyone that is looking to break out of the the boring red tomatoes model, give an heirloom tomato a try. You will never go back.
Post your comments