Rebellion Tomatoes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Rebellion tomatoes vary in size, depending on seasonal growing conditions, but generally average 130 to 170 grams in weight and 5 to 7 centimeters in diameter. The variety has an oblate, flattened shape with curved ends and is known for its deeply ribbed appearance. Rebellion tomatoes are topped with a dark green, leafy stem cap, and the skin is semi-thick, tough, smooth, and taut with a faint sheen. The skin also showcases red-orange to saturated red hues. Underneath the surface, the red flesh is dense and firm, encasing a cavity filled with tiny, round, flat, yellow seeds suspended in a gelatinous, red liquid. Rebellion tomatoes are edible raw and have a crunchy, crisp, and succulent consistency. The seeds are edible and often unnoticeable when eaten. Rebellion tomatoes emit a faintly fruity, savory, and vegetal aroma. Ripe fruits contain 4.8 to 6.6 Brix, a unit sugar measurement, and exhibit a blend of sweet, acidic, subtly salty, sweet, and savory flavors.
Seasons/Availability
Rebellion tomatoes are available in the winter through early summer, typically between November and July.
Current Facts
Rebellion tomatoes, botanically classified as Solanum lycopersicum, are a European variety belonging to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. The deeply ribbed tomatoes are primarily sold under the Rebel brand managed by CASI in Spain and are a commercial variety favored for their extended storage capabilities. This shelf life allows the cultivar to be shipped long distances without a decline in quality. Rebellion tomatoes are also promoted with the slogan “Revolution of Flavor,” a marketing phrase highlighting their distinctly ribbed appearance and traditional, savory, and sweet taste. In the modern day, the variety is offered in conventional and organic types and is a productive commercial variety. Consumers value Rebellion tomatoes for their versatile nature and utilize them in a wide array of fresh or cooked culinary preparations.
Nutritional Value
Rebellion tomatoes have not been extensively studied for their nutritional properties. Tomatoes, in general, are sources of fiber to cleanse the digestive tract and lycopene, a type of carotenoid with antioxidant properties to reduce inflammation and protect the body’s overall health. Tomatoes also provide vitamins A, C, E, and K to maintain healthy organs, strengthen the immune system, guard the cells against free radical damage, and aid in faster wound healing. Beyond vitamins, tomatoes contain minerals like potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, calcium and phosphorus to support bones and teeth, and magnesium to control nerve functions. Other nutrients include copper, folate, iron, and manganese.
Applications
Rebellion tomatoes have a rich, savory, subtly sweet, and salty taste suited for fresh or cooked preparations. The variety’s ribbed nature creates slices with unusual edges, and some consumers comment that slices look like abstract flowers. These slices are popularly drizzled with olive oil, salt, vinaigrettes, or balsamic as a fresh snack. Rebellion tomatoes can be eaten out of hand or layered into sandwiches and variations of caprese. Try tossing pieces into salads or chopping them into salsa. In Spain, tomatoes are famously grated and made into a paste-like spread for pan con tomato, a well-known tapa. The tomato spread is mixed with garlic, herbs, and slathered over crusty bread. Rebellion tomatoes are also grated into a traditional salad called esqueixada, a recipe comprised of finely minced salted cod, parsley, olive oil, and olives. In addition to fresh preparations, Rebellion tomatoes are customarily hollowed and stuffed with grains, cheeses, herbs, and meat and later baked. They are also made into sauces, chutneys, and purees. Try blending tomatoes with pine nuts and tuna to create a chunky spread frequently used as a side dish to roasted meats or as a sandwich filling. Rebellion tomatoes are used in chilled soups like gazpacho, grilled for a smoky flavor, or simmered into soups, curries, and stews. They can also be placed as a topping on pizza or cooked into pasta dishes. Rebellion tomatoes pair well with herbs such as basil, thyme, and parsley, asparagus, eggplant, zucchini, peas, avocado, red onions, legumes, and cheeses like mozzarella, feta, goat, and Manchego. Whole, unwashed Rebellion tomatoes will last for 2 to 7 days when stored in a cool, dry, and dark location.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Rebellion tomatoes were awarded the Sabor Del Año, or “Flavor of the Year,” seal in Spain for three consecutive years between 2023 and 2025. This award, developed by businessman Will Mansion in 1995, is an annual label given to products highly rated by consumers in blind taste tests. The award historically arose from France, and over time, the marketing tool has been adopted in Italy, Mexico, Tunisia, Spain, and Portugal. Each year, a panel of eighty consumers evaluates products on their taste, smell, texture, appearance, and overall satisfaction. Every category receives a rating from 0 to 10 by the evaluator, and products that have received an overall rating of 6 to 10 are considered for the award. In Spain, Sabor Del Año is a widely recognized mark of quality when placed on food labels, and Rebellion tomatoes have increased in recognition among the public from publicity earned by these consumer-based support and evaluations.
Geography/History
Rebellion tomatoes are grown in Spain by CASI, also known as the Cooperativa Agraria y Ganadera San Isidro, a cooperative based in the city of Almeria. Much of the history of the variety is unknown other than it was created by Vilmorin Seed, a French seed producer. In the early 21st century, Vilmorin made an agreement with CASI to grow and market Rebellion tomatoes. Some sources hypothesize that Rebellion tomatoes may have descended or were developed from the Marmande tomato, a French variety known for its ribbed nature. Marmande tomatoes rose in popularity in the late 19th century and have become a favored commercial cultivar. Rebellion tomatoes are said to have a flavor and appearance similar to Marmande tomatoes and offer extended storage properties for transport. Today, Rebellion tomatoes are cultivated in Spain and are sold domestically and exported to other countries in Europe. When in season, the variety is found through specialty retailers, markets, and distributors.
