Marriage Genuwine Heirloom Tomatoes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
The Marriage Genuwine tomato is a unique heirloom hybrid with the distinctive sweet yet tangy tomato flavors that are characteristic of heirloom varieties, but with higher yields and significantly fewer blemishes. It is a cross between Costoluto Genovese and Brandywine, two heirlooms, and it produces smooth, flattened globe-shaped fruit weighing an average of ten to twelve ounces. From Brandywine, Marriage Genuwine inherits its large size, shape, and pink and red complexion, and from Costoluto Genovese it inherits its high acid content and juiciness, which result in its wonderful classic tomato taste. Crossing the two varieties resulted in the vigorous Marriage Genuwine tomato plant, which is more productive and matures two weeks earlier than either parent. Marriage Genuwine is an indeterminate tomato, so its plants continue to set new fruit all season along its extensive vines with green leaves, and it has an upright growing habit, reaching up to seven feet tall and often requiring staking to support its large crop.
Seasons/Availability
Marriage Genuwine tomatoes are available in the summer and early fall.
Current Facts
Tomatoes are scientifically named Solanum lycopersicum, formerly Lycopersicon esculentum, and they are members of the Solanaceae, or nightshade family. While many heirloom tomatoes today are being bred with modern hybrid varieties to increase productivity and disease resistance, the Heirloom Marriage varieties, like the Marriage Genuwine, have two heirloom parents, producing flavorful, aromatic fruit with the favorable clean look of hybrids, while also delivering a larger harvest than most older heirloom cultivars. The Marriage Genuwine actually produces fruit one to three weeks faster than the most common heirloom varieties in the United States, and yields up to three times as many fruit.
Nutritional Value
Tomatoes are a good source of calcium and iron, and they also contain decent amounts of potassium. They are rich in vitamins C and A, and they contain all four major carotenoids: alpha and beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene. These carotenoids may have individual benefits, but also have synergy as a group, as they interact to provide health benefits such as potentially protecting against cardiovascular disease. Tomatoes are particularly known for their high amounts of lycopene, thought to have the highest antioxidant activity of all the carotenoids and believed to play a role in fighting certain types of cancer, notably prostate cancer. In North America, more than eighty percent of dietary lycopene comes from tomato products, such as tomato juice or paste.
Applications
Marriage Genuwine tomatoes are perfect for eating fresh, but they are also great for canning and freezing, and they are delicious sautéed, grilled, and stewed. Their size lends well to slicing onto sandwiches, burgers, or salads. Cut tomatoes lengthwise from stem to blossom end to retain more juice in each slice. They pair well with soft cheeses and savory herbs such as basil, which can be tossed with diced tomatoes and extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and pepper to to serve on toasted baguette for a simple bruschetta. Store tomatoes at room temperature and refrigerate only extra-ripe tomatoes to keep them from ripening any further.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The Brandywine tomato, one of the parent varieties of Marriage Genuwine, is considered to be the most popular heirloom tomato in the United States. A classic beefsteak tomato with incredible flavor, the Brandywine is also thought to have helped regenerate the popularity of heirloom tomatoes in America after the rise of hybridization in the twentieth century.
Geography/History
The Marriage Genuwine tomato is part of the Heirloom Marriage collection from PanAmerican Seed, selected for the best attributes of old and new tomato varieties, such as shape, color, and flavor. It is a cross between Costoluto Genovese and Brandywine, and it was released in 2015. Tomatoes are warm-season plants, so they are sensitive to lower night temperatures, and they should be planted outdoors only after the last frost has passed. Marriage Genuwine does well in USDA plant hardiness zones nine through eleven.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Marriage Genuwine Heirloom Tomatoes. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Katherine Martinelli |
|
Heirloom Tomato, Tomatillo, and Avocado Salad |
| Flourishing Foodie |
|
Heirloom Tomato and Avocado, Rice and Black Bean Bowl with Garlic Chive Créme Fraîche |
Podcast
