Green Giant's Charm
Discover the allure of Green Giant, an heirloom variety that redefines 'green' tomatoes. Unlike unripe fruit, this 1-pound specimen remains a vibrant green even
when fully mature, boasting a remarkably sweet and juicy profile with minimal seeds. It belongs to the 'potato leaf' tomato group, distinguished by foliage that resembles potato plants rather than the typical serrated tomato leaves. When considering the 'days to maturity,' remember this count begins after transplanting seedlings, not from the initial seed sowing.
Captain Lucky's Beauty
For those seeking a tomato that captivates both visually and gastronomically, Captain Lucky presents an exceptional choice. This beefsteak-type fruit, weighing between 10 to 16 ounces, is a stunning mosaic of colors, featuring streaks of green, pink, and red both on its exterior and within its dense flesh. Its bicolored appearance is just as striking when sliced and served, offering a flavor experience that lives up to its visual splendor. This variety matures in approximately 75 days after transplanting.
Bumble Bee Series Delight
The Artisan Series, particularly the Bumble Bee varieties, offers a delightful collection of striped cherry tomatoes. Whether you choose Purple Bumble Bee, Sunrise Bumble Bee, or Pink Bumble Bee, you're in for a treat. These small fruits are packed with sweetness, complemented by a subtle tanginess. A significant advantage of these varieties is their resistance to cracking, a common issue with many cherry tomatoes, attributed to their robust skin. They are ready for harvest around 70 days post-transplant.
Magic Bullet's Colors
Magic Bullet truly lives up to its name for those who appreciate vibrant, eye-catching colors and a sweet flavor profile. These small, 2 to 3-ounce plum-shaped tomatoes develop striking indigo shoulders as they ripen, with the intensity of this color deepening significantly when exposed to ample sunlight. To encourage this mesmerizing coloration, gardeners may need to prune excess foliage surrounding the developing fruit. This intriguing variety is ready for picking approximately 70 days after transplanting.
White Tomesol's Rarity
Amidst the growing popularity of heirloom tomatoes in various shades, White Tomesol stands out as a unique rarity with its ivory or cream-colored fruit. While many expect reds, oranges, and purples, this variety offers a distinct aesthetic. Averaging 8 ounces but capable of reaching up to 1 pound, its skin color deepens with increased sun exposure, often developing a delicate blush at the blossom end. White Tomesol is an excellent option for those desiring a good tomato flavor without the high acidity, ready in about 80 days.
Lillian's Yellow Heirloom
Yellow tomatoes are often associated with a milder taste due to lower acidity, but Lillian's Yellow Heirloom defies this trend, scoring exceptionally high in richness and assertive flavor. This late-maturing variety, also featuring potato-like leaves, ripens to a bright yellow externally and reveals a pale yellow, meaty interior. Its substantial size and texture make it an outstanding choice for slicing, offering a robust taste experience. It requires about 90 days to mature after transplanting.
Zapotech Pleated Tomato
The Zapotech Pleated Tomato, a late-maturing Mexican heirloom also known as the Oaxacan ribbed tomato, is as renowned for its impressive ribbing as it is for its sweet and delicious flavor. These pink-red fruits, weighing 10 to 16 ounces, possess unique hollow interiors. This characteristic makes them particularly well-suited for stuffing or baking, offering a versatile culinary application. Expect this distinctive variety to be ready for harvest around 85 days after planting out.
Indigo Rose's Antioxidants
Indigo Rose tomatoes are a marvel, featuring the same anthocyanin pigment responsible for the deep purple hue of blueberries. Developed through traditional breeding at Oregon State University, these tomatoes aren't just visually striking and sweet; they are also rich in anthocyanin, a potent antioxidant. The parts of the fruit exposed to sunlight turn a vibrant purple, while less exposed areas mature to a deep red. These small, 2-inch diameter fruits are ready for harvest approximately 80 days after transplanting and offer a sweet flavor.
Buratino's Citrus Notes
Named after the Russian equivalent of Pinocchio due to its distinctive long, pointed shape, Buratino is a fascinating Russian heirloom. Resembling a Roma paste tomato but larger and a vibrant orange, these fruits average 3 to 6 ounces. Their taste is delightfully fruity with subtle citrus undertones. The thick walls and minimal seeds of the Buratino make it an exceptionally versatile tomato, perfect for making sauces, enjoying in slices, or snacking on directly from the vine. This variety matures in about 70 days after transplanting.
