Dr. Wyche's Yellow Heirloom Tomatoes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Dr. Wyche’s Yellow tomatoes are a large, beefsteak variety that grows on a vine. They range from 7.5 to 10 centimeters in diameter and weigh between 10 and 16 ounces, making them a relatively heavy variety. Dr. Wyche’s Yellow tomatoes have a flattened globe shape with vertical indentations running from the bottom of the fruit to their small, dark green stem. These tomatoes have a shiny, orange-yellow skin similar to the color of tangerines and are relatively free of blemishes. Their skin and flesh are firm to the touch rather than squishy and malleable, making them ideal for slicing. Their golden-yellow flesh is meaty and juicy, with small gel seed pockets and a low seed content. They have a mildly sweet smell with subtle earthy undertones. Dr. Wyche’s Yellow tomatoes have a rich, sweet flavor with tropical notes and subtle hints of acidity.
Seasons/Availability
Dr. Wyche’s Yellow tomatoes are available from mid-summer to early fall.
Current Facts
Dr. Wyche’s Yellow tomatoes are botanically classified as Solanum lycopersicum and like all tomatoes, are nightshades from the Solanaceae family. This variety was originally named ‘Hot Yellow’ by its founder Dr. Wyche but was renamed after him when he passed away. There is also a tomatillo named after him called Dr. Wyche’s Yellow tomatillo. These tomatoes are known for producing reliable fruit yields along their tall heirloom vines. Their hefty weight requires the use of staking, caging, or trellises when growing them from seeds. Yellow tomatoes, from which varieties like Dr. Wyche’s Yellow originate, first appeared in Europe where they were initially yellow rather than red.
Nutritional Value
While the specific nutritional value of Dr. Wyche's Yellow tomatoes is not widely known, yellow tomatoes are generally known for being a good source of vitamin C. This vitamin is essential for immune function and skin health. Yellow tomatoes contain iron, a nutrient important for oxygen transportation, cognitive function, and supporting energy levels. Yellow tomatoes have niacin and potassium that help support metabolism, heart health, blood pressure, and muscle function. The phosphorus and folate content in yellow tomatoes may aid in cell repair and growth, bone health, and fetal development for those who are pregnant. The beta-carotene that gives tomatoes like Dr. Wyche’s their orange-yellow hue may help neutralize free radicals that damage cells, potentially decreasing the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Applications
Dr. Wyche's Yellow tomatoes can be sautéed, grilled, roasted, or canned, though their dense, meaty texture is most often enjoyed raw. When fresh, these tomatoes can be sliced up for a sandwich, burger, or yellow caprese salad. When diced, they can be used in salsas, salads, or as a topping for tacos. Cooked Dr. Wyche's Yellow tomatoes can be incorporated into sweet tomato sauces, pizza, pasta, vegetable soups like gazpacho or gumbo, or simply roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Dr. Wyche's Yellow tomatoes pair well with ingredients like balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs, lime, watermelon, avocados, chilies, soft cheeses, prawns, and clams. Dr. Wyche’s Yellow tomatoes should be stored at room temperature until ripe and then stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
This tomato variety was introduced to the Seed Savers Exchange, an organization devoted to collecting and preserving heirloom seeds, in 1985 by a gardener and dentist named Dr. John Wyche. He was also a co-owner of the Cole Brothers Circus in Hugo, Oklahoma. He used the elephant manure and lion and tiger waste from his circus to keep deer and rabbits away from his mountaintop gardens. Dr. John Wyche also developed the 'Cherokee Trail of Tears' bean. The first tomatoes to be introduced into Europe were yellow. Though met with skepticism in other countries, Italians began embracing the value of these yellow "pomo d'oros," or Golden apples, around 1750. By 1850, Italians had developed red tomato varieties. Though red tomatoes remain a more popular color, yellow tomatoes are still celebrated in Italy largely because of their unique flavor and historical significance.
Geography/History
Dr. Wyche’s Yellow tomatoes are native to North America. They grow in warm climates with full sun exposure and cannot withstand frost. As a hybrid breed, Dr. Wyche’s Yellow tomatoes are not found in the wild. They are instead grown in gardens and produced commercially. After Dr. John Wyche's passing, the seeds were given to fellow gardener Craig LeHoullier, who made them commercially available in the 1990s. They were then listed in the Seed Savers Exchange, allowing them even more exposure to the public. Dr. Wyche’s Yellow tomatoes are less popular than other yellow varieties but can still be found in home gardens, farmers markets, and specialty stores.
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