Tomatoes are often a polarizing ingredient for many, with people either loving them as part of a dish while others can’t stand the sight of them. But love them or hate them, they form an integral part of creating a complex flavour profile. Heirloom tomatoes are more than just a buzzword, and you may have seen this variety at your local farmer’s market - what does it entail?
Heirloom tomatoes refer to breeds that have been grown without cross pollinating other varieties, have been around for at least 50 years and have been grown from seeds that have been passed down from season to season. Essentially a farmer picks seeds from the season before and grows tomatoes from there and so the cycle continues. So why use them?
They tend to taste better
Heirloom tomatoes tend to have a more flavourful taste when compared to the cross pollinated varieties. And most of the time, these tomatoes are actually grown for taste, and because the same seeds are used each season it tends to get better with each harvest.
They come in a multitude of sizes and colours
While we’re used to the cherry tomato to the usual red tomato in supermarkets, heirloom tomatoes really are growers. You’ve probably noticed them due to the the sheer size difference. Heirlooms have such beautiful colours that really help centre them in any special dish.
You can grow your own
And, if you really like the variety you bought at a farmer’s market or speciality store, you could just try your hand at growing your own. Heirlooms (like the cross-bred types) are relatively simple to grow at your own pace.
