Funny shapes and unique colors make heirloom tomatoes stand out next to your typical red tomato. But don’t let their natural Halloween costumes intimidate you, these gourmet tomatoes have an exceptional flavor profile and can be used in a variety of different dishes.
Heirlooms have really gained in popularity and availability in the last few years, and we’re happy to have them in stock at all of our R. Field Wine Company locations, including the new Foodland Kapolei.
The most popular heirloom tomato varietals include Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, Black Crimson, Big Rainbow, and the world renown San Marzano tomato.
Brandywine is one of the most popular heirloom tomatoes, because its rich, succulent flavor is hard to beat. Pictured in bright orange in the front row above, this varietal was introduced way back in 1885 and can weigh up to two pounds.
Cherokee Purple bears an abundance of medium sized reddish purple fruit that has the prettiest brick red interiors. Known for its sweet and rich taste, this varietal is very popular.
Black Crimson is very richly flavored, sweet and tangy with just a hint of salt. This dark maroon beefsteak tomato is a prolific producer that is a worthy contender for the best taste in the black heirloom tomato plant category.
Big Rainbow is considered one of the prettiest and most unique heirloom tomatoes. This meaty beefsteak tomato is known for its sweet and flavorful taste. The golden orange color with artful swirls of red and yellow are seen throughout the tomato (pictured in the back row of above picture).
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San Marzano tomatoes are considered by many chefs to be the best paste tomatoes in the world. This variety of plum tomato is compared to the Roma tomato, however Marzano tomatoes are thinner and more pointed. Its flesh is much thicker with fewer seeds. San Marzano tomatoes have a richer, deeper flavor and is less acidic than most. This varietal breeds true from generation to generation, making seed saving practical for the home gardener or farmer. Canned San Marzanos when grown in the Valle del Sarno in Italy in compliance with the Italian law, can be classified as Pomodoro S. Marzano dell’Agro Sarnese-Norcerino and have the “DOP” emblem on the label, which we also carry at our R. Field Wine Company locations.
No matter which type of heirloom tomato you choose from, you’ll be rewarded with intense, rich and tangy flavors that will be unforgettable. Let us know in the comments below which heirloom is your favorite!
Bon appétit!