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Cherokee Purple Heirloom Tomatoes
Inventory, 10 lbs : 0
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Cherokee Purple tomatoes get their name from their skin, which boasts rich, dusty shades of purple and pink with shoulders that are often green. Its flesh is a deep rose with wet and red, sometimes green, pockets of seed. The Cherokee Purple tomato’s flavor consists of a rich combination of mostly sweet, and some acidic, notes. Despite the relative sweetness of the tomato its flavor is in no way saccharine. Rather, it is balanced, complex, and slightly smoky.
Cherokee Purple tomatoes are available in summer and fall.
Cherokee Purple tomatoes are botanically classified as Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Cherokee purple, and are a member of the nightshade or Solanaceae family, along with more than 2,500 species such as tobacco and peppers. The Cherokee Purple tomato belongs to the “beefsteak” group of tomatoes, meaning that it is very juicy and large with a robust flavor that lends itself best to fresh eating.
Cherokee Purple tomatoes contain an abundance of nutritional benefits. They are filled with vitamin C, which exists in large quantities in the pulp around the seeds, K, which helps keep bones strong, and A, an antioxidant that which helps maintain the immune system and good eye health.
As an heirloom beefsteak, the Cherokee Purple tomato is best enjoyed fresh without cooking. It makes a divine sandwich, raising the already delectable BLT to astronomical heights. It also shines in a salad or simple, yet mouth-watering, spread of sliced tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella. The sliced Cherokee Purple tomato is also delicious either plain or sprinkled with salt. If a hot dish is preferred, Cherokee Purple tomatoes can be diced and briefly sautéed with pasta. These heirlooms can also be grilled, used as a pizza topping, or added raw to a halved and toasted baguette for bruschetta. It’s also amazing on a burger. The Cherokee Purple tomato entered the gourmand’s lexicon in the 1990’s after a Tennessean, John Green, mailed seeds of the delicious fruit to Craig LeHoullier of the Seed Saver’s Exchange. Green wrote that he had received the seeds from a woman who had in turn been given the seeds by neighbors. These neighbors had grown the tomatoes for a century and originally procured them from Cherokee growers.
Like potatoes, tomatoes originally evolved in the Andes. They have been cultivated since 700 AD, originally by the Aztecs and Incas. Contrary to its current worldwide popularity, tomatoes were not consumed by colonists and Americans of European descent until the early 1800’s. Whites in North America considered the fruits to be poisonous and grew it only for its ornamental qualities. It wasn’t until Thomas Jefferson began growing the tomato as a crop at Monticello that the tomato’s edibility was accepted by white America.
Recipes that include Cherokee Purple Heirloom Tomatoes. One
is easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Cherokee Purple Heirloom Tomatoes using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Heirloom Tomatoes |
Description/Taste
Cherokee Purple tomatoes get their name from their skin, which boasts rich, dusty shades of purple and pink with shoulders that are often green. Its flesh is a deep rose with wet and red, sometimes green, pockets of seed. The Cherokee Purple tomato’s flavor consists of a rich combination of mostly sweet, and some acidic, notes. Despite the relative sweetness of the tomato its flavor is in no way saccharine. Rather, it is balanced, complex, and slightly smoky.
Seasons/Availability
Cherokee Purple tomatoes are available in summer and fall.
Current Facts
Cherokee Purple tomatoes are botanically classified as Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Cherokee purple, and are a member of the nightshade or Solanaceae family, along with more than 2,500 species such as tobacco and peppers. The Cherokee Purple tomato belongs to the “beefsteak” group of tomatoes, meaning that it is very juicy and large with a robust flavor that lends itself best to fresh eating.
Nutritional Value
Cherokee Purple tomatoes contain an abundance of nutritional benefits. They are filled with vitamin C, which exists in large quantities in the pulp around the seeds, K, which helps keep bones strong, and A, an antioxidant that which helps maintain the immune system and good eye health.
Applications
As an heirloom beefsteak, the Cherokee Purple tomato is best enjoyed fresh without cooking. It makes a divine sandwich, raising the already delectable BLT to astronomical heights. It also shines in a salad or simple, yet mouth-watering, spread of sliced tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella. The sliced Cherokee Purple tomato is also delicious either plain or sprinkled with salt. If a hot dish is preferred, Cherokee Purple tomatoes can be diced and briefly sautéed with pasta. These heirlooms can also be grilled, used as a pizza topping, or added raw to a halved and toasted baguette for bruschetta. It’s also amazing on a burger. The Cherokee Purple tomato entered the gourmand’s lexicon in the 1990’s after a Tennessean, John Green, mailed seeds of the delicious fruit to Craig LeHoullier of the Seed Saver’s Exchange. Green wrote that he had received the seeds from a woman who had in turn been given the seeds by neighbors. These neighbors had grown the tomatoes for a century and originally procured them from Cherokee growers.
Geography/History
Like potatoes, tomatoes originally evolved in the Andes. They have been cultivated since 700 AD, originally by the Aztecs and Incas. Contrary to its current worldwide popularity, tomatoes were not consumed by colonists and Americans of European descent until the early 1800’s. Whites in North America considered the fruits to be poisonous and grew it only for its ornamental qualities. It wasn’t until Thomas Jefferson began growing the tomato as a crop at Monticello that the tomato’s edibility was accepted by white America.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Cherokee Purple Heirloom Tomatoes. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Cherokee Purple Heirloom Tomatoes using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Hillcrest Farmers Market
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 22 days ago, 1/15/23 Sharer's comments : At Archi's Acres small scale organic farm 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 29 days ago, 1/08/23 Sharer's comments : Heirloom Tomatoes from JR Organics 
Poway Farmers Market
Valdivia Farms
Near Poway, California, United StatesCarlsbad, CA About 72 days ago, 11/26/22 
La Jolla Open Aire Market
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Valdivia Farms
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United StatesCarlsbad, CA About 120 days ago, 10/09/22 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 127 days ago, 10/02/22 Sharer's comments : Heirloom Tomatoes from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Valdivia Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 170 days ago, 8/20/22 Sharer's comments : Purple Cherokee Tomatoes from Valdivia Farms 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Munak Ranch
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 198 days ago, 7/23/22 Sharer's comments : Purple Cherokee Tomatoes from Munak Ranch 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 211 days ago, 7/10/22 Sharer's comments : Mix Heirloom Tomatoes from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market
Valdivia Farms
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United StatesCarlsbad, CA About 211 days ago, 7/10/22 Sharer's comments : Last four heirloom Purple Cherokees today!! 
Del Mar Farmers Market
Valdivia Farms
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesCarlsbad, CA About 226 days ago, 6/25/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 238 days ago, 6/13/22 Sharer's comments : Heirloom tomatoes from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Hillcrest Farmers Market
JR Organics
Near San Diego, California, United StatesEscondido, CA About 239 days ago, 6/12/22 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Valdivia Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 240 days ago, 6/11/22 Sharer's comments : Purple Cherokee Tomatoes from Valdivia Farms 
Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market
Valdivia Farms
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United StatesCarlsbad, CA About 281 days ago, 5/01/22 
Del Mar Farmers Market
Valdivia Farms
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesCarlsbad, CA About 296 days ago, 4/16/22 
Del Mar Farmers Market
Valdivia Farms
Near Del Mar, California, United StatesCarlsbad, CA About 380 days ago, 1/22/22 
Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market
Valdivia Farms
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United StatesCarlsbad, CA About 414 days ago, 12/19/21 
Poway Farmers Market
Heritage Family Farm
Near Poway, California, United StatesFallbrook, CA About 457 days ago, 11/06/21 
Rancho Santa Fe Farmers Market
Valdivia Farms
Near Fairbanks Ranch, California, United StatesCarlsbad, CA About 477 days ago, 10/17/21 
North Park Thursday Market
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 480 days ago, 10/14/21 Sharer's comments : A nice variety of heirloom tomatoes abound at Kawanos. 
Solana Beach Farmer's Market
Rodney Kawano Farms
Near Solana Beach, California, United StatesOceanside, CA About 505 days ago, 9/19/21 
Bayview Farmer's Market
Foxtail Farm
Near Clinton, Washington, United StatesFreeland, WA About 527 days ago, 8/28/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 544 days ago, 8/11/21 
Union Square Greenmarket
Sycamore Farms
Near New York, United StatesMiddletown, NY About 562 days ago, 7/24/21 
Kannapolis Farmers Market
Miller & Sons Produce
Near China Grove, North Carolina, United StatesAbout 578 days ago, 7/08/21 Sharer's comments : These are ready to devour!! 
Dana Point Farmers Market
Rodney Kawano Farms
Near Dana Point, California, United StatesOceanside, CA About 597 days ago, 6/19/21 Sharer's comments : Look at these beautiful juicy heirloom tomatoes!! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 599 days ago, 6/17/21 Sharer's comments : Heirloom Cherokee Tomatoes!!đź‘€ |
