Indigo Blue Chocolate Cherry Tomatoes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Indigo Blue Chocolate tomatoes are a small cherry tomato variety that weighs about 38 to 76 grams. They typically measure 2 to 4 centimeters in diameter with a round, slightly flattened shape that resembles a cherry, partially because of the natural seam that runs from the top to bottom of the fruit. This variety is distinguished by its chocolate-brown hue that descends down the fruit's shoulders, gradually transitioning to dark red at the bottom of the tomato. This hue may appear to be maroon, black, or a deep blue depending on the individual tomato and their point of maturity. They occasionally develop small, bright green patches on their skin. This variety may also have minuscule yellow dots speckled across their smooth, shiny skin. Indigo Blue Chocolate tomatoes have a relatively high flesh-to-seed ratio. Their pink-red flesh is firm, juicy, and meaty, with compact aqueous seed pockets containing small, yellow seeds. Indigo Blue Chocolate tomatoes have a rich, well-balanced flavor that’s sweet yet acidic with smoky undertones.
Seasons/Availability
Indigo Blue Chocolate tomatoes are available from summer to mid-fall.
Current Facts
Indigo Blue Chocolate tomatoes are botanically classified as Solanum lycopersicum and belong to the Solanaceae family. They are part of the Indigo series, a class of open-pollinated and hybrid tomatoes known for their blue-black pigment and high levels of the powerful antioxidant, anthocyanin. Dr. Jim Myers of Oregon State University pioneered the Indigo Blue tomato series, beginning with the introduction of the Indigo Rose in 2011. This series also includes varieties such as Indigo Cherry Drops and Indigo Blue Beauty tomatoes. Inspired by these earlier creations, breeder Brad Gates developed the Indigo Blue Chocolate tomato. The plants that this variety grows on are indeterminate and continue to set fruit throughout the season on sprawling vines, producing good yields in tight clusters. They are known for remaining firm on the vine for extended periods and for being resistant to sunburns and cracking.
Nutritional Value
Indigo Blue Chocolate tomatoes are known for having high levels of anthocyanins, which is expressed in their dark dark blue-purple complexion. This naturally occurring antioxidant is helpful for reducing inflammation and slowing the aging process. Tomatoes in general are a good source of calcium and iron, promoting bone health, blood clotting, oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and cognitive and muscle function. They also contain phosphorus, sulfur, and potassium, supporting joint, teeth, and heart health, cell growth, acid-base balance, metabolism, liver detoxification, muscle function, keratin production, and electrolyte balance. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, B, and C, nutrients that encourage red blood cell formation, reproductive health, immune function, collagen and biotin production, iron absorption, and protection from free radical cell damage.
Applications
Indigo Blue Chocolate tomatoes are eaten fresh off the vine, roasted, grilled, cooked, pickled, or preserved through canning. They pair well in salads with leafy greens like lettuce and spinach. This variety can be used for charcuterie boards, sandwiches, wraps, or pastas. Indigo Blue Chocolate tomatoes may also be roasted onto pizzas and flatbreads. They are often used as a topping for grilled meats and fish, mixed into curries, used for kebabs, or incorporated into barbeque sauces. They may also be mixed into a tomato sauce with shallots, garlic, basil, oregano, and chilis. Indigo Blue Chocolate tomatoes pair well with a variety of herbs, including parsley, chives, celery leaf, mint, lemon balm, sage, basil, and thyme. They also complement flavors like soft cheeses such as burrata, mozzarella, and feta, corn, red onions, asparagus, avocados, roasted chicken, salmon, shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, French bread, pitas, Kalamata olives, chickpeas, and balsamic vinegar. Indigo Blue Chocolate tomatoes should be stored at room temperature until ripe and then refrigerated to preserve freshness.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Brad Gates is a small organic farmer and tomato breeder who is known in the California Bay Area as the tomato guy. He has been breeding heirlooms since 2000 and has developed several cultivars in the Indigo series in Northern California's Solano County, hand-picking his varieties from thousands of heirlooms, crosses, and hybrids. His exotic varieties like Indigo Blue Chocolate tomatoes are consistently a favorite among Bay Area chefs. Gates also developed Atomic Grape, Black & Brown Boar, Sweet Cream, Sungold Select, and Black Beauty tomatoes.
Geography/History
Indigo Blue Chocolate tomatoes are an open-pollinated cultivar developed in California by Brad Gates at Wild Boar Farms and introduced to the public in 2014. They are classified as cherry tomatoes, which are indigenous to Peru and Ecuador and were likely domesticated by the Aztecs in Central America. Indigo Blue Chocolate tomatoes grow in climates with full sun exposure and may be planted in the ground or cultivated in greenhouses. As a variety that was specifically developed for its color, disease resistance, and high yield, Indigo Blue Chocolate tomatoes are not found in the wild. They perform well for home and market gardeners and have been shown to withstand the more challenging climates around California’s Bay area, where they may be found in farmers' markets and specialty stores.
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