Are you looking for the perfect addition to your garden this year? Look no further than this list of the best heirloom tomatoes. These unique varieties are known for their unmatched flavor and color variety, offering a truly authentic taste that will elevate your culinary creations. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best heirloom tomato varieties to grow in your garden this season, including Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, Black Krim, Green Zebra, Mortgage Lifter, Amish Paste, Yellow Pear, Hillbilly, Kellogg’s Breakfast, and Aunt Ruby’s German Green.
Key Takeaways:
- Heirloom tomatoes offer a unique flavor and color experience for culinary creations.
- Brandywine is a large, sweet heirloom tomato and perfect for sandwiches or salads.
- Cherokee Purple tomatoes have a unique dusky purple color and a rich, sweet flavor ideal for gourmet dishes.
- Black Krim tomatoes are a smoky-flavored option great for adding depth to dishes like salsa and salads.
- Green Zebra tomatoes are small, tangy, and have a yellow chartreuse color to add acidity and depth to any meal.
Brandywine
Brandywine tomatoes are an incredibly popular heirloom variety due to their sweet, rich flavor and large size. Some would say these are the absoulte best heirloom tomatoes availible. These beefsteak tomatoes have a distinct pinkish-red coloring that makes them not only tasty but also visually appealing in various dishes.
They are a top choice for slicing and using in sandwiches or salads, where their ample size and flavor can truly shine. When growing Brandywine tomatoes, it’s essential to keep in mind that they are relatively slow-growing, so patience is key to achieve the best results. However, the outcome is well worth the wait, as Brandywine tomatoes are truly one of a kind.
Cherokee Purple
Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a type of heirloom tomato that provides not only a unique appearance but a delicious taste as well. The deep, dusky purple color of the skin sets it apart from other tomatoes, making it a visually striking addition to any dish. When sliced open, Cherokee Purple tomatoes reveal a juicy, meaty flesh that is rich and sweet in flavor.
These tomatoes are a favorite for slicing and eating fresh or adding to gourmet dishes. Their distinctive taste can elevate any recipe, from simple sandwiches to complex soups and stews. Cherokee Purple tomatoes are easy to grow and maintain, making them a great choice for home gardeners looking to add a unique touch to their harvest.
Cherokee Purple Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 20 |
| Total Fat | 0.2g |
| Sodium | 3mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 4.6g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5g |
| Sugar | 2.6g |
| Protein | 0.8g |
Cherokee Purple tomatoes are a low-calorie food that is high in dietary fiber and provides valuable vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. Adding Cherokee Purple tomatoes to your diet can promote overall health and wellbeing while also adding a new dimension of flavor to your meals.
Black Krim
Black Krim is a unique heirloom tomato with an almost black skin, giving it an elegant appearance that stands out among other varieties. The flesh is juicy and meaty, with a sweet and smoky flavor that adds depth to any dish it is used in.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Color | Dark, almost black |
| Size | Medium to large |
| Flavor | Sweet and smoky |
| Best used for | Adding depth of flavor to salads, sandwiches, and salsa |
The Black Krim is a versatile tomato that can be used in a variety of dishes, due to its complex and rich flavor profile. The dark skin adds a dramatic flair to any presentation, making it a great choice for garnishes or for aesthetic purposes.
History of Black Krim
Black Krim originated from the Crimea peninsula in Russia in the 1800s. It was introduced to the United States in the 1990s and has since become a popular heirloom variety due to its unique attributes.
- Originated in Crimea peninsula in the 1800s
- Introduced to the United States in the 1990s
- Popular for its unique appearance and flavor
Overall, the Black Krim tomato is an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their dishes, while also enjoying a sweet and smoky flavor that is unmatched by other varieties.
Green Zebra
Green Zebra tomatoes are a unique heirloom variety with a chartreuse color and dark green stripes that make them stand out in any dish. They are small to medium in size, and their slightly tart flavor adds a delightful pop of acidity to your culinary creations.
| Flavor Profile | Size | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Tangy and slightly tart | Small to medium | Chartreuse with dark green stripes |
You can use Green Zebra tomatoes in a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches and even salsas. Their unique color and flavor will add freshness and complexity to your cooking. Try pairing them with other heirloom tomato varieties to create a flavorful tomato medley.
Mortgage Lifter
Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are a popular heirloom variety known for their rich flavor and unique name. The story goes that a man named Radiator Charlie developed the variety in the 1930s and sold the plants for $1 each, eventually earning enough money to pay off his mortgage. Since then, this tomato has been a go-to for home gardeners and chefs alike.
These tomatoes are large and meaty, with a sweet and slightly spicy taste that makes them a versatile choice for all kinds of recipes. They are perfect for slicing and adding to sandwiches or using in sauces and stews.
Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of climates. They require full sun and regular watering, but other than that, they are relatively low maintenance. If you want to add a unique, flavorful tomato to your garden this year, Mortgage Lifter is a great choice.
Amish Paste
Amish Paste tomatoes are a versatile heirloom variety coveted for their thick flesh and high-quality sauce-making abilities. The fruit is oblong in shape, with a deep red hue and a juicy texture. With its meaty consistency and tangy-sweet flavor, Amish Paste is an outstanding choice for making tomato paste, sauces, or canning for later use.
Amish Paste vs. Other Tomato Varieties
| Tomato Variety | Texture | Flavor | Best Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amish Paste | Thick Flesh | Tangy-sweet | Sauces, paste, canning |
| Brandywine | Juicy | Rich, sweet | Slicing, salads |
| Cherokee Purple | Juicy | Sweet, rich | Slicing, gourmet dishes |
| Black Krim | Meaty | Sweet, smoky | Salads, sandwiches, salsa |
Compared to other tomato varieties, Amish Paste stands out for its thick flesh and sauce-making qualities.
- The oblong fruit has a deep red hue.
- It has a tangy-sweet flavor, making it perfect for sauces and paste.
- The tomato’s thick flesh makes it an ideal choice for canning.
Grow Amish Paste tomatoes in your garden for a versatile tomato that adds a distinctive flavor to any dish.
Yellow Pear
Yellow Pear tomatoes are a beloved heirloom variety that boasts a unique and eye-catching shape – small, pear-shaped, with a lively bright yellow color that entices the senses. Their sweet and slightly tart flavor makes them an excellent addition to salads, salsa or admired alone as a delightful appetizer. These bite-size beauties are an ideal choice for anyone looking to add a pop of color and flavor to their garden and culinary creations.
Hillbilly
Hillbilly tomatoes, also known as The Flame tomato, are a large, beefsteak variety that boasts a vibrant yellow-orange skin and bright red streaks that form a stunning tie-dye pattern.
These heirloom tomatoes are coveted for their sweet and mildly tangy flavor profile, which make them a fun and flavorful choice for sandwiches, salads, or even as a stand-alone snack.
Like most heirloom tomatoes, Hillbilly tomatoes are best grown in warm climates with plenty of sun, and they require a consistent watering schedule throughout the growing season.
Kellogg’s Breakfast
Kellogg’s Breakfast tomatoes are a popular heirloom variety known for their large size and vibrant orange color. These tomatoes are a perfect addition to any breakfast dish, sandwich, or salad. With their sweet and tangy flavor, they’re sure to add a burst of flavor to your meal.
Characteristics
| Color | Bright orange |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Taste | Sweet and tangy |
The Kellogg’s Breakfast tomato plant produces high yields of these beautiful and tasty tomatoes. They are perfect for slicing and using in a variety of dishes. You’ll love the balance of sweetness and tanginess that these tomatoes bring to your culinary creations.
How to Enjoy
- Sliced and added to breakfast sandwiches or omelets
- Diced and mixed into a fresh salsa
- Sliced and added to salads for a burst of color and flavor
- Cut into wedges and roasted for a delicious side dish
Try growing Kellogg’s Breakfast tomatoes in your garden this season and enjoy their unique flavor and vibrant color. They’re a true delight for any tomato lover!
Aunt Ruby’s German Green
Aunt Ruby’s German Green tomatoes are a large and juicy heirloom variety with a unique lime green color. These tomatoes are known for their sweet and slightly tart flavor, making them a delightful addition to summer salads or sliced on sandwiches.
The German Green tomato has a meaty and juicy texture that makes it a perfect choice for canning or making sauces that can be used all year round. They are also an excellent source of vitamins C and K, making them a nutritious addition to your meals.
When ripe, Aunt Ruby’s German Green tomatoes have a slightly soft texture and often have a slight blush around the blossom end. They are a bit more challenging to grow than some other varieties, but the reward is well worth the effort.
If you want to grow these flavorful tomatoes in your garden, give them plenty of sun and well-draining soil. Aunt Ruby’s German Green tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they grow vines that can reach up to six feet tall. Keep them staked or caged to support the weight of the fruit.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, Aunt Ruby’s German Green is a unique and tasty heirloom tomato that’s worth trying. Upgrade your summer salads and sandwiches with this flavorful variety.