Our 10 Best Heirloom Tomatoes: Discover These Must-Have Varieties

Heirloom tomatoes are becoming increasingly popular among gardening enthusiasts and lovers of authentic flavors.

They offer unique advantages: unparalleled taste, an incredible diversity of shapes and colors, and cultivation in harmony with ecological principles.

Definition of the Term "Heirloom"

The term "heirloom" is not a botanical classification. Instead, it refers to stable varieties. A stable tomato variety earns this designation when it does not vary from one generation to another, typically after eight generations (F8). These varieties are also often referred to as "Heirloom tomatoes."

The Steps to Stabilizing Varieties and Why It Takes 8 Generations

• The creation of a new variety begins with initial cross-pollination between two plants, producing homogeneous offspring (F1).
• During the early generations (F2 to F7), plants are heterogeneous. Rigorous selection is performed to retain plants exhibiting desired traits such as flavor, color, shape, and resistance.
• By the eighth generation (F8), these traits become genetically stable, ensuring that seeds produce plants identical to the previous generation.
• This process is essential to guarantee consistent quality and reliability of the variety over time.

The Difference Between an F1 Hybrid and a Stable Variety

• An F1 hybrid variety results from crossing two different parent plants. It often offers advantageous characteristics (l’effet d’hétérosis ), but its seeds will not faithfully reproduce the same traits.
• A stable variety, on the other hand, produces seeds that retain the same traits as the parent plant.
• ​

Practical Benefits of Stability for Gardeners

• Self-sufficiency: Gardeners can save and reuse seeds, eliminating the need to purchase new ones annually.​
• Local Adaptation: Over several growing seasons, stable varieties can gradually adapt to local soil and climate conditions.​

Note: Achieving true adaptation to a specific terroir is a long process, often taking decades, and must be applied to "populations" rather than individual plants.​

• Biodiversity: Stable varieties help preserve genetic diversity in gardens.​

In short, as you may have realized, the term "heirloom" is often used as a marketing strategy, like the Green Zebra tomato created in 1985, which is still sold as an heirloom variety. In this article, we will focus exclusively on "heirloom varieties" for tomatoes that have truly stood the test of time.

Green zébra, une "tomate ancienne" pas si ancienne que ça...

Why Choose Heirloom Tomatoes?

What Is an Heirloom Tomato?

• An heirloom tomato is a stable, heritage variety often cultivated and passed down for generations.
• It differs from modern commercial tomato varieties (such as those sold in supermarkets), which are often hybrids selected for traits like productivity and shelf life—sometimes at the expense of flavor.

Additionally, a passionate group called "breeders" works tirelessly to cross varieties, creating new tomatoes that are both visually stunning and delicious!

The Advantages of Heirloom Tomatoes

• Exceptional Flavor and Texture: Heirloom tomatoes are renowned for their authentic taste.​
• Contribution to Biodiversity: These tomatoes are often naturally resistant and better suited to local conditions.
• Adaptation to Terroir: This reduces the need for chemical treatments or other inputs.​

The Best Heirloom Tomato Varieties

Must have strain

Cuore di Bu: The "True" Oxheart Tomato

Originating in Italy, this iconic tomato is prized for its firm, meaty flesh with very few seeds. Its heart-shaped form and mildly sweet flavor make it a must-have. Perfect for those who love melt-in-your-mouth texture and authentic taste.

A noter: Même si elle est la plus ancienne tomate cordiforme référencée, le caractère cordiforme semble être apparu à diverses reprises. (toutes les tomates cordiformes ne sont pas nécessairement apparentées à la tomate Cuore di bu)

​ Riccio di Parma A Heritage of Flavor

Hailing from the Parma region of Italy, this 200-year-old heirloom variety boasts deeply ribbed fruits and a rustic appearance. Its juicy flesh and rich flavor make it ideal for sauces and slow-cooked dishes.

​ Carbon Carbon: A Flavor Explosion

This American variety stands out with its deep, almost black-purple hue and exceptionally juicy texture. Renowned for its intense, smoky flavor, the Carbon tomato is perfect for those seeking a unique taste experience.

​ Galapagos The Wild Tomato

Native to the Galapagos Islands, this small, bright orange tomato is a hardy survivor of extreme conditions. Disease-resistant and offering a tangy, authentic flavor, it’s perfect for challenging climates and connects gardeners to the wild ancestors of cultivated tomatoes.

​ Andine Cornue The Sauce Tomato

Originating from the Andes, this variety is easily recognized by its elongated shape resembling a chili pepper. With its low water content and sparse seeds, it’s perfect for making sauces, drying, or roasting. Its sweet, concentrated flavor makes it a favorite for culinary use.

​ Big Zac The Record-Breaking Tomato

Known for its massive fruits, this American variety can produce tomatoes weighing several kilos. Carefully selected over decades, it holds the European tomato weight record at 3.988 kg. famille Daho, A must-try for tomato enthusiasts!

​ Cherokee Purple : The Best Black Tomato

This historical variety, originating from the Cherokee tribe, has a dark purple hue and dense flesh. Its complex flavor—balancing acidity and sweetness—makes it one of the best black tomatoes for salads or sandwiches.

​ Jaune du Lac de Bret The Swiss Tomato

From the Lake Bret region of Switzerland, this local variety produces vibrant orange fruits. Its tender flesh and subtly fruity, sweet flavor make it a standout for colorful salads or cooked dishes.

​ Rose de Berne What a Tomato Should Look Like

Despite its Swiss name, this variety hails from France. Its thin skin, delicate pink color, and juicy flesh make it an exceptional tomato. Its intense, sweet, and fragrant flavor is often cited as a gold standard by tomato enthusiasts.

​ Miel du Mexique The Candy Tomato

Originating from Mexico, this small red-orange tomato is a delightful snack. With its thin skin and ultra-sweet flavor, it’s perfect for appetizers or straight from the garden. Children and cherry tomato lovers will adore it!

Conclusion

• Heirloom tomatoes offer an incredible palette of flavors, colors, and histories to cultivate
• Choosing stable, locally adapted varieties allows for sustainable and biodiversity-friendly gardening, reducing the need for treatments.
• By growing stable varieties, you can save seeds year after year—for yourself and future generations.
• Explore and share your experiences with these exceptional tomatoes. With over 40,000 varieties worldwide, a lifetime won’t be enough to try them all!

FAQ: Common Questions About Heirloom Tomatoes

Can Heirloom Tomatoes Be Grown in Pots?

Yes, certain varieties like ‘Miel du Mexique’ or ‘Galapagos’ are well-suited to pots due to their small size and resilience.

Which Varieties Are Most Cold-Resistant?

​ Wild tomato varieties are generally more tolerant of cooler temperatures, though they may not match cultivars in taste or productivity.

Are There Tomatoes Resistant to Blight?

No! While some varieties show reduced sensitivity, total resistance to blight does not exist yet.​

Can Tomatoes Be Grown Without Irrigation?

Depending on your climate and soil quality, it’s possible to grow tomatoes without irrigation, though yields may be lower.

How Long Do Heirloom Tomato Seeds Stay Viable?

When stored properly (in a dry, dark place), seeds can remain viable for 5–10 years.