Heirloom Tomatoes, also known as Heritage Tomatoes, are known for their many different varieties. Each tomato encompassed in the Heirloom tomato family has its own unique taste, appearance and shape. Such differences are caused by mutations, intentional or not, within the Heirloom Tomato Seeds.
Although this family of tomatoes still uses the name “Heirloom” because they are said to have been passed down through the family, this is no longer the case. The varieties of seeds that are passed down through the generations are referred to as Family Heirlooms, whereas the other types have different names. The name Created Heirlooms refers to varieties that are made by cross-pollinating two different types of Heirlooms.
Heirloom tomatoes seeds that are produced by companies, and have been in circulation for about 50 years are referred to as Commercial Heirlooms. Many of the Heirloom varieties are called Mystery Heirlooms. These Heirlooms get their name because no one is actually sure which two Heirloom seeds came together to create this specific tomato.
In addition to having category names such as Mystery or Family Heirlooms, each variety has a specific name, such as Big Rainbow. The name usually refers to the tomato’s color or flavor. Big Rainbow’s name comes from the yellow and red swirls on its skin that resemble a rainbow.
A famous Family Heirloom tomato called the Brandywine is one of the most well-known varieties. Although it started as a Family Heirloom, there are many variations of the original Brandywine. The variations are thought to be Created Heirlooms. Since the original Brandywine has been around since the 1800s, there are some Commercial Heirloom variations of the Brandywine as well.
Despite what you may think, not all tomatoes are red or yellow. There is a specific variation of tomato that is said to have come from the Cherokee Indians that is a dark purple, black color. Some people consider these tomatoes to be Heirlooms; whereas others have their doubts.
Finding tomato seeds for purchase is not difficult. Almost any store that sells vegetable and fruit seeds will carry some varieties of Heirloom tomatoes because of their popularity. However, if you are searching for the rarest varieties of tomato seeds, you may have to search a little harder. There are specialty stores online that boast 600 or more varieties of seeds for Heirloom tomatoes.
Once you have begun growing Heirloom tomatoes in your yard, you no longer have to purchase the seeds in a store. You can extract the seeds from your tomatoes and save them to plant when spring comes around. All you have to do is separate the fleshy part of the tomato that contains the seeds, and leave it to sit for about a week. After a week of sitting, the flesh will be covered in mold that will assist in killing diseases that are harmful to tomato seeds.
Wash the mold off of your Heirloom tomato seeds and drain the flesh and juice so that all you have left are the seeds. Make sure the seeds are dry before you place them in the freezer. If you do not have a freezer, store them in a cool area that stays dry.