Red Zebra Tomatoes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Red Zebra tomatoes are a bi-colored hybrid variety that weighs between 57 to 85 grams. Depending on how long they are left on the vine, they can either have a round shape or a flattened shape resembling a pumpkin, with deep indentations running down the sides from the green stems to the base. These tomatoes' size ranges from small to medium, measuring approximately 4 to 10 centimeters in diameter. Red Zebra tomatoes’ skin is predominantly cherry red with jagged vertical orange-yellow streaks. This skin is thick and firm with a smooth, shiny texture. The succulent, bright red flesh is meaty and dense, with very small seed pockets that contain only a few seeds. Red Zebra tomatoes are mild and sweet with tart notes and a slight acidity and saltiness.
Seasons/Availability
Red Zebra tomatoes may be harvested from spring to early fall, depending on the climate.
Current Facts
Red Zebra tomatoes are scientifically known as Solanum lycopersicum along with all other tomato varieties. They belong to the Solanaceae family, which also includes eggplants and potatoes. This hybrid is the chance offspring of one of the first commercial green-when-ripe tomatoes, the Green Zebra. This green cultivar was developed in 1983 when breeder Tom Wagner was attempting to improve upon the Evergreen tomato, a variety that often fell victim to cracking. After about three decades, he was finally able to create the Green Zebra with its tangy flavor, green-striped appearance, and easy growing conditions. Red Zebra tomatoes have been used as a parent to the hybrid Red Lightning tomato, which boasts the same yellow-streaked pattern as its parent.
Nutritional Value
Tomatoes like the Red Zebra variety are rich in vitamins C and A, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, promoting skin health, supporting vision, protecting cells from damage, and aiding in the absorption of iron. The beta-carotene in tomatoes contributes to lung health, bone growth, infection defense, and decreased UV radiation and oxidative stress damage. They provide B vitamins such as folate and niacin. Folate is crucial for DNA synthesis and cell growth, making it particularly important during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy, while niacin helps convert food into energy and supports nervous system function. Tomatoes are also a source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure, maintain fluid balance, and support muscle and nerve function. They also contain lycopene, helping reduce bad cholesterol levels, macular degeneration, bone loss, and inflammation as well as encouraging cognitive function and healthy blood sugar levels.
Applications
Red Zebra tomatoes can be used for fresh eating, roasting, and canning. Their round shape makes them ideal for serving halved in salads. Their vibrant patterned color showcases well in pico de gallo, bruschetta, pizza, and pasta. Red Zebra tomatoes may be sliced and drizzled with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper or layered with basil and mozzarella for a Caprese salad. Red Zebra tomatoes complement cheeses like parmesan, asiago, feta, and queso fresco. They also pair well with avocados, mushrooms, eggplant, garlic, onion, poultry, cream-based sauces, oregano, and cilantro. Store Red Zebra tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight until ready to use, up to two or three days when ripe. Refrigerate once ripe to preserve freshness.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
After farmer Jeff Dawson discovered a red tomato growing among his Green Zebra plants in California, he saved its seeds and planted them the following year. This resulted in the creation of Red Zebra tomatoes along with other unique varieties such as the Copia tomato, a large, red and yellow bi-colored variety. Dawson then began his breeding pursuits on a half-acre farm in Sonoma County, California. He had a particular interest in unique-looking tomato varieties that hadn’t been introduced to the commercial market on a large scale. This included non-red varieties like the Garden Lime, Green Pineapple, Potato Leaf, Great White, Black Krim, and Cherokee Purple. He grew tomatoes in various colors, including green, yellow, white, black, orange, pink, and bicolored, identifying which ones performed well in gardens and could stand out from standard red tomatoes when marketed to restaurants. Dawson would go on to create other hybrids like Black Zebra, Orange Russian 117, and Dawson’s Russian Oxheart tomatoes.
Geography/History
Red Zebra tomatoes were discovered in Northern California by breeder Jeff Dawson. This variety is a natural cross between Green Zebra tomatoes and an unknown second parent. After growing and stabilizing over a few years, Red Zebra tomatoes were released commercially when they were listed in the 2003 Seed Savers Exchange Yearbook. Similar to other tomato varieties, Red Zebra tomato plants are sensitive to freezing temperatures and prefer warm soil and full sun for optimum growth. As a hybrid breed, Red Zebra tomatoes are not found in the wild but are frequently grown in gardens by tomato enthusiasts with an interest in unique and untraditional varieties. This breed is relatively niche and mostly available to be purchased from seeds at nurseries or in catalogs.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Zebra Tomatoes. One
is easiest, three is harder.Podcast
