Cherokee Purple Heirloom Tomato Plant (Updated October 14th)

The Allure of the Cherokee Purple Heirloom Tomato

The Cherokee Purple tomato, an heirloom variety of formidable reputation, stands as a testament to the rich diversity and exceptional flavor profiles available beyond conventional supermarket selections. Renowned for its unique dusky-rose to purple hues, complex taste, and intriguing origins, this tomato has captivated gardeners and gourmands alike for decades. It represents a significant departure from the uniform, often bland, fruits engineered for shelf life and transport, offering instead an unparalleled culinary experience that harks back to simpler times and richer flavors.

A Legacy in Every Bite: Unveiling a Timeless Favorite

More than just a fruit, the Cherokee Purple tomato is a cultural touchstone, embodying the essence of heirloom gardening. Its popularity stems from a combination of factors: an captivating backstory, an aesthetic appeal that is both rustic and elegant, and, most importantly, a flavor that consistently ranks among the top of all tomato varieties. For many, cultivating the Cherokee Purple is not merely about growing food; it is about connecting with agricultural heritage, preserving genetic diversity, and savoring the authentic, unadulterated taste of a truly exceptional tomato. Its enduring presence in seed catalogs and gardens across the globe underscores its status as a beloved classic, continually rediscovered by new generations of growers.

Historical Roots and Mysterious Origins

The history of the Cherokee Purple tomato is as rich and intriguing as its flavor. While precise documentation is scarce, popular lore suggests that this particular variety has been cultivated by the Cherokee Nation for generations, specifically in the Knoxville, Tennessee area. The seeds were reportedly passed down through families, valued for their reliable production and distinct characteristics. The tomato first gained widespread public attention in 1990 when Craig LeHoullier, a tomato enthusiast, received seeds from a gardener who claimed the variety had come from a Cherokee family. LeHoullier’s subsequent cultivation and promotion of the tomato led to its broader recognition and eventual commercial availability. This narrative, while not fully verifiable, adds a layer of cultural significance and a sense of mystique to the plant, cementing its status as a true heirloom.

The Heirloom Advantage: Why Choose Cherokee Purple?

Choosing an heirloom tomato like the Cherokee Purple offers numerous advantages over modern hybrid varieties. Heirlooms are open-pollinated, meaning their seeds produce plants that are true-to-type, allowing gardeners to save seeds from their harvest and cultivate the same cherished variety year after year. This practice fosters sustainability and helps preserve genetic diversity. Unlike many hybrids bred for uniformity, disease resistance, or extended shelf life, heirlooms prioritize flavor and unique characteristics. The Cherokee Purple excels in this regard, offering a complex taste profile that is often described as rich, smoky, and sweet, with a satisfying balance of acidity. This depth of flavor is frequently absent in commercially produced tomatoes, making the Cherokee Purple a prized selection for those seeking an authentic and superior culinary experience. Its cultivation also supports the tradition of seed saving and the rich history of gardening passed down through generations.

Distinguishing Characteristics and Flavor Profile

The Cherokee Purple tomato stands apart not only for its historical narrative but equally for its distinct physical attributes and unparalleled taste. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for identifying the plant, appreciating its unique qualities, and anticipating the bountiful rewards it offers to the patient gardener.

Visual Identity: Fruit and Foliage

Visually, the Cherokee Purple is unmistakable. The fruit typically ranges from medium to large, often weighing between 8 to 12 ounces, though larger specimens are not uncommon. Its shape is generally oblate, or slightly flattened, with gentle ribbing at the shoulders. The most striking feature is its color: a deep, dusky rose or purple-brown, often with green shoulders that persist even when fully ripe. The interior flesh reveals a similar hue, marbled with green gelatinous seed cavities. The skin is relatively thin and tender, contributing to its melt-in-your-mouth texture. The plant itself exhibits an indeterminate growth habit, meaning it will continue to grow, flower, and set fruit throughout the growing season until frost. Its foliage is of the regular leaf type, characterized by broad, serrated leaves that provide ample shade for the developing fruit. The vines are robust and vigorous, often reaching heights of 5 to 7 feet or more, necessitating sturdy support.

The Unmistakable Taste: A Symphony of Sweet and Smoky

The true glory of the Cherokee Purple lies in its flavor, which is widely celebrated as one of the best among all tomato varieties. It offers a complex and deeply satisfying taste experience, often described as rich, sweet, and slightly smoky, with a well-balanced acidity that prevents it from being cloying. Unlike many red tomatoes that can be overly tart, the Cherokee Purple possesses a lower acid content, contributing to its mellow and savory qualities. This unique flavor profile makes it exceptionally versatile in the kitchen, elevating simple dishes with its depth and character. The taste is profoundly umami, leaving a lasting impression on the palate and solidifying its reputation as a culinary powerhouse. Gardeners often report that the flavor improves with optimal growing conditions, emphasizing the importance of proper care to unlock its full potential.

Growth Habit and Plant Vigor

As an indeterminate variety, the Cherokee Purple plant continues to grow and produce fruit until it is killed by frost. This growth habit means it will develop long, sprawling vines that require significant support, such as sturdy stakes, cages, or trellises, to prevent them from collapsing under the weight of their fruit. The plants are remarkably vigorous, often developing into large, bushy specimens with abundant foliage. This robust growth is generally a positive trait, indicating a healthy plant with strong potential for high yields. However, it also means that adequate spacing is essential to ensure proper air circulation and to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to disease. Regular pruning of suckers and lower leaves can help manage its expansive growth and direct the plant’s energy towards fruit production, ensuring a steady supply of its prized tomatoes throughout the summer and into the fall.

Cultivation Essentials: Laying the Foundation for Success

Successful cultivation of the Cherokee Purple tomato, while rewarding, requires attention to foundational principles that ensure healthy plant development and abundant yields. Establishing the right environment from the outset is paramount for this prized heirloom.

Optimal Growing Conditions: Sunlight and Temperature

Cherokee Purple tomatoes, like most tomato varieties, are sun-loving plants that thrive in warm conditions. They require a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day to produce their best fruit. Southern exposure is ideal, providing consistent warmth and light throughout the growing season. Temperatures play a crucial role; tomatoes prefer daytime temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C to 29°C) and nighttime temperatures above 55°F (13°C). Exposure to frost is detrimental, and even prolonged cool spells can stunt growth and reduce fruit set. In regions with intense summer heat, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching of leaves and fruit, though overall full sun exposure is preferred for maximum productivity. Ensuring these conditions helps the plant photosynthesize efficiently, leading to vigorous growth and flavorful fruit development.

Soil Requirements: The Bedrock of Abundant Harvests

The quality of the soil is perhaps the most critical factor for cultivating robust Cherokee Purple plants. They thrive in rich, well-draining loam that is abundant in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0, is optimal for nutrient uptake. Before planting, it is highly beneficial to amend the soil with generous amounts of compost, aged manure, or other organic materials. This improves soil structure, enhances drainage, and provides a slow-release source of essential nutrients. Good drainage is vital to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root diseases. Conversely, soil that drains too quickly may not retain sufficient moisture. A healthy soil ecosystem, teeming with beneficial microorganisms, contributes significantly to plant vigor and resilience against stressors.

Site Selection and Crop Rotation

Careful site selection is essential for the long-term health of your tomato plants. Choose a location that receives ample sunlight and offers protection from strong winds. Avoiding areas where tomatoes or other solanaceous crops (such as peppers, eggplants, or potatoes) have been grown in the previous three to four years is crucial. This practice, known as crop rotation, helps to prevent the buildup of soil-borne diseases and pests that specifically target these plant families. If crop rotation is not possible due to limited space, consider growing tomatoes in large containers filled with fresh, sterile potting mix. Additionally, ensure the chosen site has good air circulation, which is important for drying foliage and reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Proper planning of your garden layout contributes significantly to plant health and productivity.

Propagation and Planting Techniques

Successfully bringing Cherokee Purple tomatoes from seed to a thriving garden plant involves a series of specific steps, each critical for establishing a strong foundation for the growing season. Proper propagation and planting techniques ensure optimal health and productivity.

Starting Seeds Indoors: A Head Start on the Season

For most climates, starting Cherokee Purple seeds indoors provides a crucial head start, allowing plants to develop a strong root system before being exposed to outdoor conditions. Begin this process approximately 6-8 weeks before the last anticipated frost date in your region. Use sterile seed-starting mix in trays or small pots, sowing seeds about ¼ inch deep. Maintain a consistent soil temperature of 75-80°F (24-27°C) using a heating mat, which significantly aids germination. Provide ample light immediately after germination, either from a south-facing window or, preferably, under fluorescent or LED grow lights for 14-16 hours daily. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots (e.g., 4-inch containers) to allow for further root development, burying the stem deeper to encourage additional root growth.

Hardening Off and Transplanting Outdoors

Before moving young Cherokee Purple plants permanently outdoors, they must undergo a hardening-off period. This gradual acclimation process, typically lasting 7-10 days, prepares them for the harsher outdoor environment, including sun, wind, and fluctuating temperatures. Begin by placing plants outdoors in a shaded, protected area for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to direct sunlight and wind. Bring them indoors at night if temperatures are expected to drop significantly. Once the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures consistently remain above 60°F (15°C), the plants are ready for final transplanting into the garden. Dig holes deep enough to bury two-thirds of the plant’s stem, as tomatoes can root along their buried stems, leading to a stronger root system. Space plants at least 36-48 inches apart to allow for their expansive growth and ensure good air circulation. Water thoroughly after transplanting.

Choosing Companions: Beneficial Plant Pairings

Companion planting can enhance the health and productivity of Cherokee Purple tomatoes by attracting beneficial insects, deterring pests, and potentially improving flavor. Herbs like basil are excellent companions, believed to enhance tomato flavor and repel flies and mosquitoes. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are known for deterring nematodes and other soil pests. Borage can attract pollinators and beneficial insects, while also improving the resilience of tomatoes to pests and diseases. Nasturtiums can act as a trap crop for aphids, drawing them away from the tomatoes. Conversely, it’s wise to avoid planting tomatoes near brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) or fennel, as these can inhibit tomato growth. Thoughtful placement of companion plants creates a more balanced and resilient garden ecosystem, reducing the need for chemical interventions and fostering healthier plants.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance for Robust Growth

Once Cherokee Purple tomato plants are established, consistent and attentive care is crucial for ensuring vigorous growth, maximizing fruit production, and mitigating potential issues. Diligent maintenance practices are key to a successful harvest.

Watering Strategies: Consistency is Key

Consistent and deep watering is paramount for Cherokee Purple tomatoes. Irregular watering, particularly cycles of drought followed by heavy saturation, can lead to problems like blossom end rot and fruit cracking. Aim to provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation, adjusting for local climate and soil type. Water deeply at the base of the plant, allowing the moisture to penetrate several inches into the soil. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal, as they deliver water directly to the root zone while keeping foliage dry, which helps prevent fungal diseases. Mulching around the base of the plants with a 2-4 inch layer of straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, further promoting consistent watering conditions.

Nutritional Needs: Fertilizing for Fruit Production

Cherokee Purple tomatoes are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. A balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting can provide initial nutrients. As plants begin to flower and set fruit, switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium, with a lower nitrogen content (e.g., 5-10-10 or organic alternatives like bone meal and kelp meal). Excessive nitrogen promotes lush leafy growth at the expense of fruit production. Apply fertilizer according to package directions, typically every 3-4 weeks. Organic gardeners can rely on regular applications of compost tea, worm castings, or fish emulsion. Calcium is vital to prevent blossom end rot, so ensuring adequate calcium in the soil through amendments like gypsum or crushed eggshells, or consistent watering, is important. A soil test can provide precise recommendations for nutrient deficiencies.

Support Systems: Staking, Caging, and Trellising

Given their indeterminate growth habit and substantial fruit size, Cherokee Purple plants absolutely require strong support systems. Without support, the heavy vines will sprawl on the ground, making them susceptible to disease and pest damage, and resulting in smaller, misshapen fruit. Common support methods include:

Staking: Use sturdy stakes (wood, metal, or rebar) at least 6-8 feet tall, driven deep into the ground near the plant. Tie the main stem loosely to the stake every 12-18 inches as it grows, allowing for expansion.
Caging: Large, heavy-duty tomato cages made of welded wire are effective, especially if plants are pruned to a few main stems. Avoid flimsy store-bought cages, which are often inadequate for large heirloom varieties.
Trellising: String trellising or a Florida Weave system (weaving string between stakes) provides excellent support for multiple plants in a row, promoting good air circulation and easy access for harvesting.

Implementing a robust support system early in the plant’s life is critical to prevent damage and ensure optimal fruit development.

Pruning for Productivity and Air Circulation

Pruning indeterminate tomato varieties like Cherokee Purple helps manage their vigorous growth, improves air circulation, and directs the plant’s energy towards fruit production rather than excessive foliage. The primary pruning task is the removal of “suckers,” which are shoots that emerge from the axil (the point where a leaf stem meets the main stem). Removing suckers helps maintain a more open plant structure and encourages larger, earlier fruit.

Sucker Removal: Pinch off suckers when they are small (2-4 inches) to minimize stress on the plant. For a larger plant, some gardeners allow a few suckers to grow into secondary fruiting stems.
Lower Leaf Removal: As the plant matures and lower leaves begin to yellow or touch the ground, remove them. This improves air circulation at the base of the plant, reduces splash-back of soil-borne pathogens during watering, and focuses energy on upper growth.
Topping: In areas with shorter growing seasons, some gardeners “top” their indeterminate tomatoes late in the season, cutting off the main stem above the highest fruit set. This directs the plant’s energy into ripening existing fruit rather than producing new flowers that won’t have time to mature.

Pruning should be done with clean tools to prevent the spread of diseases, and avoided during wet conditions.

Protecting Your Harvest: Pest and Disease Management

Maintaining a healthy Cherokee Purple tomato crop involves vigilant monitoring and proactive strategies to protect plants from common pests and diseases. Early detection and appropriate intervention are crucial for preserving plant health and ensuring a successful harvest.

Common Pests: Identification and Control

Several pests commonly target tomato plants.

Tomato Hornworms: Large, green caterpillars with a horn-like protrusion, capable of defoliating a plant rapidly. Hand-picking them off plants or using organic insecticides like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are effective.
Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and undersides of leaves, sucking plant sap. Treat with a strong spray of water, insecticidal soap, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Whiteflies: Tiny, white, winged insects that fly up in a cloud when disturbed. They also feed on sap. Use yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
Stink Bugs and Leaf-footed Bugs: These pierce fruit to feed, causing dimples, discolored spots, and sometimes rotting. Hand-picking, row covers, or specific organic pesticides can help.
Spider Mites: Microscopic pests that thrive in hot, dry conditions, causing stippling on leaves and fine webbing. Horticultural oil or insecticidal soap are effective treatments.

Regular inspection of plants is the best defense, allowing for early intervention before infestations become severe.

Disease Prevention and Treatment

Cherokee Purple, like other heirlooms, can be susceptible to various diseases, though proper cultural practices can significantly reduce risk.

Early Blight: Characterized by dark, concentric spots on lower leaves, often with a yellow halo. Remove infected leaves, ensure good air circulation, and apply copper or biofungicide sprays.
Late Blight: A more aggressive disease appearing as greasy, dark spots on leaves, stems, and fruit, often in cool, humid conditions. It can rapidly destroy plants. Immediate removal of infected plants and fungicidal sprays are necessary.
Fusarium Wilt and Verticillium Wilt: Soil-borne fungal diseases that cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, typically starting on one side of the plant. Prevention through crop rotation and using resistant varieties (though less common for true heirlooms) is key, as there is no cure once infected.
Blossom End Rot (BER): Not a disease, but a physiological disorder caused by calcium deficiency in the fruit, often due to inconsistent watering or rapid growth. Appears as a sunken, leathery black spot on the bottom of the fruit. Ensure consistent moisture, proper soil calcium, and avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
Cracking: Caused by rapid fluctuations in water availability (dry spell followed by heavy rain), which causes the fruit to swell too quickly for the skin to accommodate. Consistent watering and adequate mulching help prevent this.

Good sanitation, including removing plant debris, disinfecting tools, and ensuring proper spacing, forms the cornerstone of disease prevention.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles

Adopting an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach is the most effective and sustainable way to protect Cherokee Purple tomatoes. IPM involves a holistic strategy that combines various tactics to minimize pest and disease problems while reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals.

Monitoring: Regularly inspect plants for early signs of pests or diseases.
Cultural Controls: Implement practices like crop rotation, proper spacing, sanitation, and choosing appropriate varieties.
Physical Controls: Use barriers like row covers, hand-picking pests, or employing sticky traps.
Biological Controls: Introduce or encourage natural predators and beneficial insects.
Chemical Controls: Use pesticides only when necessary, choosing the least toxic options (e.g., insecticidal soaps, neem oil, organic fungicides) and applying them judiciously.

By prioritizing prevention and non-chemical solutions, gardeners can maintain a healthy ecosystem in their garden, leading to more resilient and productive Cherokee Purple plants.

Harvesting, Post-Harvest Care, and Seed Saving

The culmination of a season’s efforts with Cherokee Purple tomatoes is the harvest. Knowing when and how to pick, store, and even save seeds ensures the fullest enjoyment of this remarkable heirloom and perpetuates its legacy for future seasons.

Knowing When to Pick: Signs of Ripe Cherokee Purple Tomatoes

Determining the optimal ripeness for Cherokee Purple tomatoes can be slightly more challenging than for traditional red varieties due to their unique coloration. The key indicators are a combination of color, feel, and subtle changes in texture.

Color: The fruit should develop a deep, dusky rose-purple hue, often with green shoulders that may persist even when ripe. The overall color will deepen considerably from a lighter green.
Feel: Gently squeeze the tomato; it should have a slight give, indicating tenderness and juiciness within, but should not be soft or mushy.
Smell: A ripe tomato will often emit a rich, earthy, and distinctly “tomatoey” aroma, particularly near the stem end.
Taste (for the experienced): If unsure, picking one fruit and tasting it can confirm readiness. The flavor will be sweet, complex, and fully developed.

Harvesting too early can result in bland fruit, while leaving them on the vine too long risks overripening, cracking, or pest damage.

Harvesting Techniques: Gentle Handling for Peak Quality

When harvesting Cherokee Purple tomatoes, gentle handling is essential to prevent bruising and damage, which can shorten their shelf life and compromise quality.

Twist and Pull: Gently twist the tomato from the vine at the stem joint. If it doesn’t detach easily, avoid tugging forcefully.
Use Pruners/Scissors: For tougher stems or to ensure the stem cap remains attached (which can improve storage), use clean pruning shears or sharp scissors to cut the stem just above the fruit.
Frequency: Check plants daily or every other day during peak season, as ripe fruits should be harvested promptly to encourage continued production and prevent overripening.
Early Morning or Evening: Harvesting during cooler parts of the day can help preserve freshness.

Place harvested tomatoes carefully in a single layer in a basket or shallow container to prevent crushing.

Storage Best Practices: Preserving Flavor and Freshness

To fully appreciate the complex flavor of Cherokee Purple tomatoes, proper post-harvest storage is crucial.

Room Temperature: Never refrigerate ripe tomatoes. Cold temperatures destroy the enzymes responsible for their flavor and can turn the flesh mealy. Store them at room temperature (ideally 55-70°F or 13-21°C), away from direct sunlight.
Stem-Side Down: Storing tomatoes stem-side down can help reduce moisture loss and slow down ripening.
Avoid Stacking: If possible, store in a single layer to prevent bruising and promote air circulation.
Unripe Tomatoes: If you harvest slightly unripe tomatoes before a frost, they can be ripened indoors. Place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana (which emit ethylene gas) to speed up the process, checking regularly.

Consumed within a few days of harvesting at room temperature, Cherokee Purple tomatoes offer their best flavor and texture.

Saving Seeds for Future Generations: Maintaining the Heirloom Line

One of the most rewarding aspects of growing heirloom tomatoes like Cherokee Purple is the ability to save seeds, ensuring a continuous supply of this cherished variety. Since they are open-pollinated, the seeds will produce true-to-type plants, provided they haven’t cross-pollinated with other tomato varieties.

Selection: Choose seeds from the healthiest, most vigorous plants that produced the best-tasting fruit, ensuring desired traits are passed on.
Fermentation Method: This is the most common and effective method for wet-seeded fruits like tomatoes.
1. Select a fully ripe, unblemished tomato.
2. Cut it in half and scoop out the seeds and gelatinous pulp into a jar.
3. Add a small amount of water (enough to cover the seeds).
4. Cover the jar loosely (e.g., with cheesecloth or a lid that allows air exchange) and let it sit at room temperature for 2-5 days. A white mold layer may form on top, and it will smell slightly fermented. This process breaks down the germination-inhibiting gel around the seeds and kills most seed-borne diseases.
5. Once fermentation is complete (seeds have sunk to the bottom, and the top layer of mold/pulp is clear), pour off the top layer.
6. Rinse the seeds thoroughly in a colander under running water to remove any remaining pulp.
7. Spread the clean seeds on a non-stick surface (e.g., a ceramic plate, coffee filter, or glass) to dry completely, ensuring they do not touch.
8. Allow them to dry for 1-2 weeks in a cool, dry place, turning occasionally.
Storage: Once completely dry, store the seeds in labeled airtight containers (e.g., small envelopes in a sealed jar) in a cool, dark, dry place, such as a refrigerator or freezer, for long-term viability. Properly stored, Cherokee Purple seeds can remain viable for several years.

Saving seeds is an enjoyable way to participate in the legacy of heirloom gardening and connect with the plant’s history.

Culinary Delights: Enjoying the Cherokee Purple in the Kitchen

The Cherokee Purple tomato’s unparalleled flavor makes it a star in the kitchen, capable of transforming simple dishes into gourmet experiences. Its versatility shines across a spectrum of culinary applications, from raw preparations that highlight its subtle nuances to cooked dishes where its depth of flavor is enhanced.

Fresh Preparations: Salads, Slices, and Sandwiches

The most straightforward and often preferred way to enjoy the Cherokee Purple is in its raw, unadulterated form. This method allows its complex, smoky-sweet flavor and juicy, tender texture to take center stage.

Slices: Thick slices, seasoned simply with sea salt and a grind of fresh black pepper, perhaps a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, make for an exquisite side dish or appetizer.
Caprese Salad: Its vibrant color and rich taste are a perfect complement to fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze in a classic Caprese.
Sandwiches and Burgers: A generous slice of Cherokee Purple elevates any sandwich, especially a BLT, with its robust flavor providing a welcome contrast to crisp bacon and lettuce.
Fresh Salads: Diced or wedged, it adds exceptional flavor and visual appeal to green salads or grain bowls, blending well with vinaigrettes and other fresh ingredients.

The delicate skin and succulent flesh of this tomato make it ideal for immediate consumption, celebrating its natural goodness.

Cooked Applications: Sauces, Roasting, and Soups

While often celebrated for its fresh flavor, the Cherokee Purple also performs beautifully in cooked applications, where its inherent richness deepens and transforms.

Sauces: Its meaty texture and intense flavor make it an excellent choice for homemade tomato sauces. Slow-simmered, it creates a rich, complex base for pasta sauces, pizzas, or stews. Removing seeds and skin is optional, depending on desired texture.
Roasting: Halved or quartered and roasted with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, Cherokee Purples caramelize beautifully, intensifying their sweetness and creating a concentrated flavor burst perfect for bruschetta, side dishes, or as an addition to roasted vegetables.
Soups: The robust flavor of Cherokee Purple can anchor a luxurious tomato soup. Blended after cooking, it provides a velvety texture and a depth of taste that surpasses most store-bought tomato soups.
Grilling: Sliced thick and briefly grilled, they acquire a char that complements their smoky notes, ideal for a summer barbecue side.

Cooking methods that concentrate the tomato’s juices will highlight its unique flavor profile, making it a versatile ingredient for a wide range of culinary creations.

Preservation Methods: Canning, Freezing, and Drying

Given the seasonal abundance and cherished flavor of Cherokee Purple tomatoes, various preservation methods allow gardeners to enjoy their bounty throughout the year.

Canning: For long-term storage, canning is a traditional and effective method. Cherokee Purple tomatoes can be canned whole, crushed, diced, or as part of a sauce or salsa. Due to their relatively low acidity compared to some other varieties, it is essential to follow tested, safe canning recipes and often add lemon juice or citric acid to ensure proper acidification for water bath canning.
Freezing: Freezing is a simpler method for preserving the fresh taste of Cherokee Purples. They can be frozen whole (peeled or unpeeled), diced, or puréed. For whole tomatoes, simply wash, core, and place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to freezer bags. This makes them easy to peel later when thawed for cooking.
Drying: Dehydrating slices or halves of Cherokee Purple tomatoes intensifies their flavor and creates a chewy, concentrated snack or ingredient. Sun-drying or using a food dehydrator are both viable options. Dried tomatoes can be stored in airtight containers or packed in olive oil.

Each preservation method offers unique advantages, allowing for year-round enjoyment of the Cherokee Purple’s exceptional taste, ensuring its presence in the kitchen long after the harvest season has ended.