Striped Cavern Heirloom Tomatoes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
The Striped Cavern is a medium to large-sized tomato with a boxy rounded shape and large deep lobes, like those of a bell pepper, averaging eight ounces in size and seven to ten centimeters in diameter. The thin outer skin is a rich red color with orange streaks giving it a zebra-like appearance. The thin but fleshy walls house a small bank of seeds, but a mostly hollow interior, and the flavor is mild but pleasant. The indeterminate, or vining type tomato plant produces good yields of the colorful tomatoes, reaching an average height of four to six feet.
Seasons/Availability
Striped Cavern tomatoes are available in the summer and fall.
Current Facts
Tomatoes, originally termed Solanum lycopersicum, are botanically referred to as Lycopersicon esculentum, although modern studies are encouraging a return to the original classification. The Striped Cavern tomato may also be sold under the names Schimmeig Stoo or Schimmeig Striped Hollow.
Nutritional Value
As an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin C, and other naturally occurring beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, notably lycopene, tomatoes have been shown in several studies to help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. The Vitamin B and potassium in tomatoes make them effective in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure, while the vitamin A in tomatoes plays a role in maintaining healthy eyes, skin, bones, and teeth.
Applications
As its name suggests, the Striped Cavern tomato has a cavernous interior, as well as thick walls, making it perfect for stuffing or grilling. They have mild flavor, offering the perfect stage for whatever stuffing you choose. Fresh tomatoes pair well with soft cheeses, and herbs like parsley, chives and celery leaf, and also blend nicely with more desert-type herbs like mint or lemon balm. If using tomatoes in cooking, try mixing with shallots, garlic, basil, or oregano. Store tomatoes at room temperature until ripe, after which refrigeration can slow the process of decay.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Tom Wagner named this tomato Schimmeig Stoo, which translates to "Striped Cavern" in Manx, the native tongue of Wagner’s maternal grandfather from the Isle of Man.
Geography/History
The Striped Cavern tomato was developed by Tom Wagner of Tater Mater Seed in the 1970s, and was named the Schimmeig Stoo tomato. Wagner sent seed out for test trials in 1979, and a few years later it showed up in other seed catalogs as the Striped Cavern tomato. The Striped Cavern has been shown to grow well from California and Oregon to the Midwest, and even parts of the East Coast. Tomatoes are warm-season plants and they can't stand any frost, so they should be planted only after danger of frost has passed.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Striped Cavern Heirloom Tomatoes. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Edible Aria |
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Broiled Striped Cavern Tomatoes with Ricotta Salad |
Podcast
