Purple Heirloom Tomato Varieties

The Allure of Purple Heirloom Tomatoes

In the vast and colorful world of gardening, heirloom tomatoes hold a special place, celebrated for their unique flavors, diverse appearances, and rich histories. Among these, purple heirloom tomato varieties stand out as particularly captivating. Often referred to as “black” tomatoes due to their deep, dusky hues, these cultivars offer a complex flavor profile that tantalizes the palate, combining sweetness with a smoky, earthy richness that is distinct from their red and yellow counterparts. Their striking appearance, ranging from deep mahogany to true purple and even greenish-black, adds an aesthetic appeal that elevates any garden or culinary creation.

Purple heirlooms are more than just a feast for the eyes and taste buds; they represent a legacy of gardening tradition, passed down through generations. Unlike modern hybrid varieties bred for uniformity, disease resistance, and shelf life, heirlooms retain the genetic diversity and distinct characteristics that have made them beloved for decades, sometimes centuries. Each seed carries a story, a connection to the past, and a promise of unique garden rewards. Their popularity among home gardeners and gourmet chefs alike is a testament to their exceptional qualities, reminding us of the bounty that traditional gardening practices can offer.

This article delves into the fascinating world of purple heirloom tomatoes, exploring their defining characteristics, celebrating some of their most iconic varieties, and providing comprehensive guidance for cultivating these treasures in your own garden. We will also touch upon their nutritional benefits and the critical role they play in preserving genetic diversity for future generations of gardeners and food enthusiasts.

What Defines a Purple Heirloom?

The term “purple heirloom tomato” encompasses a fascinating group of varieties, often characterized by their deep, rich colors and complex flavors. To truly understand these unique tomatoes, it’s essential to dissect both “heirloom” and “purple” in this context.

Understanding “Heirloom”

An heirloom tomato variety is generally defined as an open-pollinated cultivar that has been passed down through generations, often within a family or community, for at least 50 years. Key characteristics of heirlooms include:

• Open-Pollinated: Unlike hybrid varieties, open-pollinated tomatoes produce seeds that will grow true-to-type, meaning the offspring will closely resemble the parent plant. This allows gardeners to save seeds year after year and maintain the variety’s unique characteristics.
• Genetic Stability: Heirlooms are genetically stable, having adapted over time to specific growing conditions and preferences. This stability contributes to their distinct flavors and forms.
• Historical Significance: Many heirlooms have a rich history, with documented origins and stories of how they were preserved and shared. They often predate the widespread commercialization of F1 hybrid seeds.

Heirlooms are celebrated for their genetic diversity, offering a vast array of shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors that are often absent in commercially mass-produced tomatoes.

The “Purple” Spectrum: Color and Chemistry

The “purple” in purple heirloom tomatoes can be somewhat misleading, as their colors span a broad spectrum of dark hues. While some modern varieties have been bred for high anthocyanin content, resulting in a truly deep purple or even black skin, most traditional “purple” or “black” heirlooms derive their color from a combination of pigments:

• Anthocyanins: These are powerful antioxidants responsible for blue, purple, and black coloration in many fruits and vegetables. While present in some heirloom varieties, they are often more concentrated in the shoulders of the fruit, giving a darker blush. Newer breeding efforts have focused on enhancing anthocyanin expression throughout the fruit.
• Chlorophyll: The green pigment of immature tomatoes often persists to some degree in dark heirlooms, especially around the shoulders, contributing to their dusky, greenish-black undertones.
• Lycopene: The primary red pigment in tomatoes is still present, often in high concentrations, but it is masked or altered by other pigments, resulting in a deep red, brownish, or mahogany flesh.

This interplay of pigments creates a visual feast, with external colors ranging from dark brown, deep maroon, and dusky purple to almost black, often with green or olive shoulders. Internally, the flesh is typically a rich, reddish-brown or mahogany, sometimes streaked with green or black. This unique pigmentation is directly linked to their distinctive, complex flavor profile, which is often described as smoky, earthy, rich, and sweet, with a hint of acidity.

A Spectrum of Purple: Notable Varieties and Their Characteristics

The world of purple heirloom tomatoes is rich with diversity, each variety offering a unique combination of flavor, appearance, and growth habit. Here, we highlight some of the most cherished and widely grown purple heirlooms, providing insight into what makes each one special.

Cherokee Purple

Hailing from Tennessee, ‘Cherokee Purple’ is perhaps the most famous and beloved of all purple heirloom tomatoes. Legend has it that the seeds were passed down from the Cherokee Nation, hence its name. This indeterminate variety produces large, beefsteak-type fruits, typically weighing 10-12 ounces, but often reaching over a pound. The skin is a dusky, deep purplish-pink to mahogany, often with green shoulders that persist even when fully ripe. The flesh is an equally rich, dark brick-red, offering an incredibly complex flavor profile: intensely sweet with a smoky, earthy undertone and excellent acidity. ‘Cherokee Purple’ is renowned for its outstanding taste, making it a favorite for slicing, sandwiches, and fresh eating. It matures in approximately 80-90 days from transplant.

Black Krim

Originating from Krim (Crimea) on the Black Sea, ‘Black Krim’ is another highly regarded purple heirloom. This indeterminate variety produces medium to large beefsteak tomatoes, usually 8-12 ounces, with a slightly flattened, round shape. The skin is a unique dusky brown-red with dark green shoulders, deepening to almost black in hot weather. Its flesh is a deep, reddish-brown. ‘Black Krim’ is celebrated for its incredibly rich, intensely sweet, and slightly salty flavor, often described as having a wine-like finish. It’s an excellent choice for fresh eating, particularly on sandwiches or in salads, where its distinct taste can shine. ‘Black Krim’ typically ripens in 75-80 days.

Paul Robeson

Named after the famous African-American opera singer and civil rights activist, ‘Paul Robeson’ is a Russian heirloom renowned for its exceptional flavor. This indeterminate variety produces medium to large beefsteak fruits, averaging 10-16 ounces. The skin is a beautiful dusky brown with greenish-black shoulders, maturing to a reddish-brown with green mottling. The flesh is equally striking, a deep, rich reddish-brown. ‘Paul Robeson’ tomatoes are celebrated for their complex, smoky, sweet flavor with a perfect balance of acidity, often considered one of the best-tasting tomatoes available. They perform well even in cooler climates and mature in about 78-90 days.

Carbon

‘Carbon’ is a relatively newer heirloom, winning the Heirloom of the Year award in 2005. This indeterminate variety consistently produces large, uniform beefsteak fruits, typically weighing 10-14 ounces. Its skin is a deep, shiny, dusky purple-black, giving it a very striking appearance. The flesh is similarly dark, a rich mahogany. ‘Carbon’ is highly praised for its robust, classic rich tomato flavor with a smoky sweetness and good balance, often compared favorably to ‘Cherokee Purple’. It’s a reliable producer, and its excellent taste makes it a superb choice for slicing, sauces, and fresh eating. Expect maturity in approximately 75-80 days.

Black Prince

Hailing from Irkutsk, Siberia, ‘Black Prince’ is a well-regarded heirloom known for its consistent production and unique characteristics. This indeterminate variety produces smaller, globe-shaped fruits, typically 3-5 ounces, making them ideal for salads or individual servings. The skin is a deep reddish-brown to black, with internal flesh that matches in a rich, dark hue. ‘Black Prince’ offers a sweet, juicy flavor with a good balance of tanginess, often described as having a rich, earthy complexity. Its smaller size and excellent taste make it a versatile addition to the garden, and it ripens relatively early for an heirloom, in about 70-75 days.

Japanese Black Trifele

Originating from Russia, ‘Japanese Black Trifele’ (also known as ‘Black Truffle’) is a distinctly pear-shaped heirloom. This indeterminate variety produces unique, medium-sized fruits, typically 6-8 ounces, with a pointed bottom reminiscent of a truffle. The skin is a striking mahogany-brown to black, with deep reddish-brown flesh. ‘Japanese Black Trifele’ is celebrated for its rich, smoky, and somewhat spicy flavor, with a good balance of sweetness and acidity. Its firm flesh and fewer seeds make it an excellent choice for sauces, roasting, and fresh eating. It matures in approximately 75-80 days.

Purple Calabash

The ‘Purple Calabash’ is an ancient heirloom, believed to date back to the 16th century, often depicted in old botanical illustrations. This indeterminate variety produces deeply ribbed, ruffled fruits that are highly variable in shape, ranging from small to medium, typically 3-6 ounces. Its color is a deep, dark purple-brown, almost black in some areas, with rich, reddish-brown flesh. ‘Purple Calabash’ offers a strong, rich, complex flavor that is often described as intense, tart, and earthy, with spicy undertones. While its ribbed nature makes it less ideal for slicing, it is excellent for unique sauces, stuffing, or adding a distinctive flavor to culinary dishes. It ripens in about 80-90 days.

Cultivating Purple Heirloom Tomatoes: A Gardener’s Guide

Growing purple heirloom tomatoes can be a deeply rewarding experience, but these unique varieties often require a bit more attention than their hybrid counterparts. By following best practices, gardeners can ensure a bountiful harvest of these flavorful fruits.

Site Selection and Soil Preparation

Tomatoes, especially heirlooms, thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a location in your garden that receives ample light throughout the growing season. Well-draining soil is crucial to prevent root diseases. Before planting, prepare the soil by incorporating generous amounts of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This improves soil structure, drainage, and fertility. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8, which is slightly acidic to neutral, ideal for tomato growth. A soil test can help determine your specific needs.

Planting and Spacing

Plant tomato seedlings after all danger of frost has passed and night temperatures consistently stay above 50°F (10°C). When planting, bury a significant portion of the stem (at least the bottom two-thirds) as tomatoes can root along their stems, leading to a stronger root system. Spacing is important for air circulation and disease prevention; typically, space plants 2-3 feet apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. For indeterminate varieties (most purple heirlooms), ample space and sturdy support are essential.

Watering and Fertilizing

Consistent watering is key for heirloom tomatoes. Irregular watering can lead to issues like blossom end rot and fruit cracking. Provide deep, thorough waterings, aiming for 1-1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk. Mulching around plants with straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer at planting, and then switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium (like a 5-10-10 or 3-4-6 blend) once fruits begin to set. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to lush foliage but fewer fruits.

Pest and Disease Management

Heirloom tomatoes can be more susceptible to pests and diseases than modern hybrids. Vigilance is your best defense. Regularly inspect plants for signs of common pests like aphids, hornworms, and whiteflies. Hand-picking, using insecticidal soaps, or introducing beneficial insects can help manage infestations. For diseases, cultural practices are paramount: ensure good air circulation, water at the base of plants, rotate crops annually, and remove any diseased foliage promptly. Common diseases include early blight, late blight, and fusarium wilt. Selecting disease-resistant varieties when possible, though less common with heirlooms, can also help.

Staking and Pruning

Most purple heirloom varieties are indeterminate, meaning they will continue to grow and produce fruit until frost. Strong support is absolutely necessary to prevent plants from sprawling and to keep fruits off the ground. Options include sturdy stakes, cages, or trellises. For best results, use heavy-duty materials that can withstand the weight of a mature, fruit-laden plant. Pruning can also be beneficial, especially for indeterminate varieties. Removing suckers (shoots that grow in the crotch between the main stem and a leaf branch) can redirect energy into fruit production and improve air circulation. However, avoid over-pruning, as some foliage is needed to protect developing fruits from sunscald.

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Purple Bounty

Bringing in the harvest of purple heirloom tomatoes is one of the most satisfying moments for any gardener. Knowing when to pick them, how to store them, and the best ways to enjoy their unique flavors ensures you make the most of your efforts.

When to Harvest

Determining the optimal ripeness for purple heirloom tomatoes can be a bit trickier than with traditional red varieties, due to their dusky coloration. The key indicators are color, firmness, and ease of detachment. Look for fruits that have developed their full, rich color—whether it’s a deep mahogany, purplish-brown, or almost black. The green shoulders common to many purple heirlooms may persist, but the rest of the fruit should be uniformly colored. Gently squeeze the tomato; it should feel slightly soft to the touch, not hard and unripe, nor overly mushy. Finally, a ripe tomato will usually detach easily from the vine with a gentle twist. If you have to tug, it’s likely not quite ready. Harvesting at peak ripeness ensures the best possible flavor.

Storage and Preservation

To preserve their exquisite flavor and texture, ripe purple heirloom tomatoes should not be stored in the refrigerator. Cold temperatures break down the cell walls, leading to a mealy texture and a loss of flavor. Instead, store whole, unwashed tomatoes at room temperature, ideally between 55-70°F (13-21°C), away from direct sunlight. They will typically last for several days to a week. If you have an abundance, purple heirlooms are excellent for preservation methods such as canning, making sauces, salsas, or drying. Freezing sliced or chopped tomatoes is also an easy way to store them for later use in cooked dishes, though their texture will change.

Culinary Applications

The complex, rich, and often smoky flavor of purple heirloom tomatoes makes them incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Their unique taste truly shines when eaten fresh and raw. They are exceptional in:

• Slicing: Perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or simply enjoyed with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
• Salads: Their striking colors add visual appeal and depth of flavor to garden salads, caprese salads, or tomato and mozzarella platters.
• Salsas and Bruschetta: The intense flavor elevates homemade salsas and makes a fantastic topping for bruschetta.

While often celebrated fresh, purple heirlooms also perform wonderfully in cooked applications:

• Sauces: Their deep flavor translates beautifully into rich pasta sauces, stews, and chili.
• Roasting: Roasting purple heirlooms intensifies their sweetness and smoky notes, making them a great side dish or addition to other recipes.
• Soups: They can be the star ingredient in a hearty tomato soup, especially when blended with complementary herbs.

Experiment with their distinct characteristics to discover your favorite ways to savor these garden gems.

Understanding Common Challenges and Solutions

While purple heirloom tomatoes offer unparalleled flavor, they can sometimes present unique challenges in the garden. Being aware of these common issues and knowing how to address them can help ensure a successful harvest.

Cracking and Splitting

Fruit cracking, where the skin of the tomato splits, is a common issue, especially with larger heirloom varieties. It’s primarily caused by rapid changes in soil moisture. When a dry spell is followed by heavy rainfall or intense irrigation, the plant absorbs a sudden surge of water, causing the fruit to expand faster than its skin can stretch. This results in cracks, either concentric circles around the stem or radial cracks extending from the stem end. To mitigate this, maintain consistent soil moisture through regular, deep watering and use a thick layer of mulch around the plants to help stabilize moisture levels. Harvest ripe tomatoes promptly, especially before anticipated heavy rains.

Blossom End Rot

Blossom end rot (BER) manifests as a dark, sunken lesion on the blossom end of the fruit (the bottom). Despite appearances, it is not a disease but a physiological disorder caused by a calcium deficiency in the developing fruit, often linked to inconsistent water availability rather than a lack of calcium in the soil. Erratic watering, extreme fluctuations in soil moisture, root damage, or very rapid growth can all interfere with the plant’s ability to transport calcium to the fruit. To prevent BER, ensure consistent watering, especially during fruit set, and maintain good soil drainage. Adding calcium to the soil in the form of bone meal or crushed eggshells at planting can help, but consistent moisture is the most critical factor. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which can promote lush foliage at the expense of fruit development.

Irregular Ripening

Purple heirlooms, like many other large tomato varieties, can sometimes exhibit irregular ripening, where parts of the fruit remain green or yellow while other sections ripen normally. This can be due to excessive heat (temperatures above 90°F / 32°C can inhibit lycopene and carotene production, which are responsible for red and orange colors), nutrient imbalances (particularly potassium deficiency), or insufficient foliage to protect fruits from direct sun. To address this, provide some afternoon shade during heatwaves, ensure balanced fertilization, and avoid over-pruning leaves that might be protecting fruits from sunscald. Harvest slightly under-ripe fruits and allow them to finish ripening indoors if necessary.

Disease Susceptibility

Heirloom tomatoes generally possess less inherent disease resistance than many modern hybrid varieties, making them more vulnerable to common tomato diseases like early blight, late blight, fusarium wilt, and verticillium wilt. Prevention is key. Practice crop rotation annually to avoid disease buildup in the soil. Ensure good air circulation around plants by proper spacing and pruning. Water at the base of plants to keep foliage dry, as many fungal diseases thrive in moist conditions. Remove and destroy any diseased plant parts immediately. In areas prone to specific diseases, consider trying heirloom varieties known to have some tolerance, if available, or focus on robust cultural practices to minimize risk.

The Nutritional and Health Benefits of Purple Tomatoes

Beyond their captivating flavors and aesthetics, purple heirloom tomatoes offer a wealth of nutritional benefits, contributing significantly to a healthy diet. Like all tomatoes, they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, but their distinctive pigmentation adds an extra layer of health-promoting compounds.

Tomatoes are well-known for being an excellent source of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health. They also provide significant amounts of Vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), essential for vision and cell growth, and Vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting and bone health. Additionally, tomatoes contain potassium, important for blood pressure regulation, and folate, vital for cell function and tissue growth.

What truly sets purple tomatoes apart is their elevated concentration of certain phytonutrients. The dusky hues, particularly the deep purples and blacks, are indicative of higher levels of specific antioxidants:

• Anthocyanins: While some purple heirlooms only have a subtle presence, varieties with truly purple skin contain anthocyanins, the same powerful antioxidants found in blueberries, blackberries, and eggplants. Anthocyanins are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their potential role in protecting against certain chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and some cancers. They also contribute to cognitive health and improved vision.
• Lycopene: All tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, a potent carotenoid antioxidant associated with a reduced risk of various cancers, particularly prostate cancer, and heart disease. The deep red and mahogany flesh of purple heirlooms often indicates high lycopene content, working synergistically with other pigments and antioxidants.

The combination of these powerful antioxidants, along with other beneficial compounds, contributes to the overall health-promoting properties of purple heirloom tomatoes. Including them in your diet can offer protection against oxidative stress, support overall cellular health, and contribute to a well-rounded, nutrient-dense eating plan. Whether enjoyed fresh in salads, cooked into sauces, or roasted, these vibrant fruits are a delicious way to boost your nutritional intake.

Preserving Genetic Diversity: The Importance of Heirloom Seeds

The cultivation of purple heirloom tomatoes extends beyond the simple pleasure of a delicious harvest; it plays a vital role in the broader effort to preserve agricultural genetic diversity. In an era dominated by large-scale commercial agriculture and hybrid varieties, heirlooms stand as a testament to the richness and resilience of traditional plant breeding.

Modern commercial agriculture often favors hybrid varieties for their uniformity, predictable yields, disease resistance, and suitability for mechanical harvesting and long-distance transport. While these traits have economic advantages, they often come at the expense of flavor, unique appearance, and, crucially, genetic diversity. Relying heavily on a limited number of genetically similar varieties makes our food systems vulnerable to new pests, diseases, and changing environmental conditions. If a new pathogen emerges, a monoculture of genetically uniform plants could be wiped out, leading to food shortages and economic devastation.

Heirloom varieties, by contrast, represent a vast reservoir of genetic traits that have adapted to diverse environments and withstood the test of time. Each heirloom carries unique genes for flavor, color, texture, and resilience to specific local conditions. Many possess qualities that modern breeding programs might overlook in favor of more immediate commercial attributes. By growing and saving seeds from purple heirlooms like ‘Cherokee Purple’ or ‘Black Krim’, gardeners become active participants in seed saving and biodiversity preservation.

Seed saving is the bedrock of heirloom preservation. When gardeners save seeds from their open-pollinated heirloom tomatoes, they ensure that these unique genetic lines continue into the next season and future generations. This practice protects these varieties from extinction and allows them to adapt slowly to local growing conditions over time, potentially developing new resistances or tolerances. It also empowers individuals to maintain control over their food supply and connect with agricultural heritage.

The existence of purple heirloom tomatoes, with their incredible range of flavors and striking appearances, reminds us of the importance of valuing and protecting the genetic heritage of our food plants. Supporting heirloom varieties through cultivation, consumption, and seed saving is not merely a gardening choice; it is a profound act of ecological stewardship and a commitment to a more resilient, flavorful, and diverse agricultural future.