What makes a plant an 'Heirloom'?

Heirloom tomatoes that have been passed down through generations for over 50 years are considered to be 'Heirlooms'.  These plants have distinctive characteristics that can be replicated by growing the seed i.e. growing true to seed. Some heirlooms are crosses between two other heirlooms but are not hybridised.

Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated by bees, moths, wind and rain and grown for taste, flavour and versatility, rather than looks and shelf life.  

Additionally the range of colours available in heirlooms can be more beneficial to your health - yellow, gold and orange tomatoes have more freely available tetra-cis-lycopene than red tomatoes as well as Vitamin C, calcium and potassium.  Red tomatoes have the most lycopene.

Ever wondered why a supermarket tomato looks insipid?  Because they're bred specifically to stay on the shelf longer, with tougher skins and perfect shapes.  But they lack any distinguishable flavour and they often have far more seeds.

So, they may not last as long in your fridge once harvested, but they will taste so much better!  Give an heirloom a try today - you won't regret it.