What Are Heirloom Tomatoes?

If you had to choose between a bright, ripe red tomato and a lumpy, bumpy, dark colored one, which would one would you pick? The answer might surprise you because the off-colored, oddly shaped tomato is most likely an heirloom tomato, with the juicy sweetness and ripe texture that we expect from summer tomatoes. So what exactly is an heirloom tomato?

Heirloom tomatoes are grown from seeds that have been handed down through the generations. They are not hybrid with any other seeds nor are they interfered with commercially or through any genetic modifications. They are quite simply, hand-me-downs. The seeds and the plants have proved themselves juicy, hardy, and able to grow well in the regions in which they're produced.

Over the years commercially grown tomatoes have become a conglomeration of different seeds that have been cultivated and hybrid for their ability to withstand shipping conditions and other commercial difficulties. Because they haven't necessarily been bred for taste and texture they have become the bland, mealy shadows of their former selves that we purchase out of lack of anything better on a daily basis. That is changing, however, with the growth of farmer's markets and the demand for local and fresh produce. People are beginning to realize that produce doesn't have to look perfect in order to taste divine. This is especially true of heirloom tomatoes, which come in every shape, size, and color of the rainbow.

Many grocery stores are beginning to offer some varieties of heirloom tomatoes in the summer months, although they are usually hideously expensive. The best and most inexpensive way to purchase them is through farmer's markets or produce stands. It's also easy enough to grow your own if you have the patience. You don't even need a large amount of land, as some of these varieties do very well in containers as long as they have sun, water, and nutrients.

Compare a regular grocery store "vine-ripened" tomato with a real, ripe heirloom. The difference is absolutely amazing. Cutting into a ripe heirloom is like slicing through butter, and no matter what its color the taste is sweet, tangy and perfect right off the vine. The store bought variety will undoubtedly have a tighter, tougher texture and need some doctoring in order to be edible.

The experience of enjoying a true heirloom tomato will drive home the idea that eating seasonally and locally is the best way to enjoy produce, not just for the flavor but for its nutritional value as well. After the first juicy bite all other tomatoes will pale by comparison. But take heart, because no matter where you live fall vegetables are just around the corner. So stock up on your heirlooms now and put some by for the long winter months ahead. Whether you dry them in the oven or put them up in jars, their bright colors and lively taste will carry you through until the next crop.