Heirloom Tomatoes-What are they?
The biggest buzz in the Memphis market today is for Heirloom Tomatoes. Heirloom Tomatoes are an open –pollinated tomato (non-hybrid) version of tomatoes. Most of these tomatoes come from seed that have been handed down from generation to generation, hence the name “Heirloom.” These tomatoes are gaining popularity for their taste, historical interest, and large selection of varieties.
Some wonder why the taste of heirloom tomatoes are considered superior to hybrid tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes lack a genetic mutation that hybrid tomatoes have that allows for greater sugar production in the tomato. This tastiness, however, does not come without a price. Most heirlooms lack uniform color and shape since they do not have the aforementioned genetic mutation. Heirloom tomatoes resemble homegrown tomatoes that come from a backyard garden: creases, uneven ripening, blemishing, and large stem scars. What Heirloom tomatoes lack in beauty, they make up for in taste.
Heirloom tomatoes are typically grown from seeds taken from the heirloom Tomato plants themselves, so future tomatoes will have similar characteristics and taste from the “parent” plant. Hybrid tomatoes often come from a variety of different cultivars, where the plants with the best color, shape, taste, etc. are bred together for a hybrid seed.
Many people confuse Heirloom Tomatoes with Organic Tomatoes. Organic Tomatoes can be either Heirlooms or Hybrids; organic only refers to the process in which the tomato was grown. Heirloom Tomatoes and Hybrid tomatoes refer to the seed and how it is cultivated. For ore on healthy cultivation with out pests see here how Drake Lawn & Pest Control explains why you shouldn’t take pest control into your own hands.
At Scott Street Tomato House, we stock a large variety of heirloom tomatoes, hybrid tomatoes, homegrown tomatoes, grape tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, just to name a few. Call to find out how we can meet your needs (901)454-1151.
Heirloom Tomatoes from Arkansas
Local Heirloom Tomatoes at Scott Street Tomato House