Did you know that all Heirloom tomato varieties are open-pollinated but not all open-pollinated tomato varieties are heirlooms? A little bit of a tongue twister, certainly, and perhaps just as confusing as the term “heirloom” itself.
Heirloom plants (known as heritage plants in some parts of the world) were those grown during earlier periods of human history, and plants were not commercially developed. Since the 1940’s, industry growers have favored strains of tomatoes that offer uniform red color, but sacrifice sweetness. Heirloom tomatoes come in all colors, shapes and sizes, and have a sweet, juicy quality not readily found in commercially grown varieties.
Here’s some background on how the term Heirloom came into use, as well as interesting notes and photos of heirloom tomatoes: Facts about Heirloom Tomatoes
Or, forget about trying to figure out all the details, and simply take a trip to your local Farmers Market. Start cooking with heirlooms right away with this sweet and juicy recipe: Panko-Fried Heirloom Tomatoes
Fresh heirloom tomatoes are coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried to a deep golden brown. Then they’re topped with poached eggs, drizzled with mornay sauce, and garnished with green garden chives. Simple yet impressive for breakfast or brunch.
If you’re interested in purchasing heirloom tomato (or other heirloom) seeds, get familiar with the Seed Savers Exchange, a non-profit organization started in 1975, with the mission of saving North America’s diverse, but endangered, garden heritage for future generations.
Go heirlooms!
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You hit me in my soft spot. I love, love, love heirloom tomatoes. Fried with a poached egg. Are you kidding me? Then you top it off with mornay sauce and chives. If I eat this I can die and go to heaven. Hmm…maybe not that extreme but I will definitely be happy! This sounds delicious and I must try it!
So sweet! Thank you, and hope you try it!
Don’t think I’ve ever seen heirloom tomatoes here in the UK. They do look delicious. Would love to get my hands on ’em!
I’m sure you have lots of wonderful veggies in the U.K. 🙂 but you are right, the heirlooms are delicious – each type with it’s own distinctive flavor.
Great information on heirloom tomatoes and few things in the world signal that summer is at its peak like fully ripe heirloom tomatoes! We just love them..
Thank you!
I agree – heirlooms are the best.
I love heirloom tomatoes! They are so beautiful and taste great too. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Same here, Follower!
Great informative post! I have read so much about heirloom tomatoes, am so eager to try them out but sadly they ain’t available in Singapore. Or at least I haven’t seen any locally :(.
Thanks! Heirlooms are delicious, and each one is unique. Even if you can’t find them in Singapore, I’m sure you have many other wonderful foods there!