Our Top 10 Heirloom Tomato Varieties: Discover these essential varieties

Heritage tomatoes are gaining popularity among passionate gardeners and lovers of authentic flavors.

They offer unique advantages: incomparable aromas , a wide variety of shapes and colors, and cultivation that is in line with ecological principles .

Video that returns images of our best tomato varieties in 2025

 

Definition of "old tomatoes"

Note: The term "historical" does not exist in botany. Instead, we speak of stable or unstable varieties . A tomato is considered stable if it shows no variation from generation to generation, which is usually achieved from the F8 generation onwards (after 8 years). Stable varieties are often also called heirloom varieties .

The stabilization process and why it takes 8 generations

• F1 generation : Crosses between two plants produce homogeneous offspring.
• F2 to F7 : The plants are heterogeneous. Careful selection preserves desired characteristics (taste, color, shape, resistance).
• F8 generation: The traits are genetically stable, and the seeds produce identical plants to the previous generation.
• This process is crucial to ensure consistent quality and variety.

 

The difference between an F1 hybrid variety and a stable variety

• F1 hybrids are produced by crossing two different parent plants. They often offer advantages such as heterosis effects (hybrid vigor) , but their seeds do not reproduce the same variety.
• Stable varieties produce seeds that retain the same characteristics as the mother plant.

Practical advantages of stable varieties for gardeners

• Autonomy: Gardeners can harvest their own seeds and save themselves the annual purchase .
• Local adaptation : Over several seasons, the varieties can adapt to the local climate and soil.

(Note: Adaptation to the terroir is a long process that can take decades. It affects populations, not individual plants.)

• Biodiversity : Stable varieties contribute to maintaining a high level of genetic diversity in gardens.

 

In short, as you may have noticed, the term "old" is often used as a marketing strategy, as with the Green Zebra tomato, which was developed in 1985 and yet is sold as an "old" tomato. In this article, we will focus exclusively on "heirloom varieties," that is, tomatoes that have truly stood the test of time.

Green Zebra , an "old tomato" that isn't actually that old...

Why choose heritage tomatoes?

What is a heritage tomato?

• A heritage tomato is a stable variety that has often been cultivated and passed down through generations.
• It differs from modern commercial varieties, which are mostly hybrids and geared towards productivity or storability – often at the expense of taste.

It should be noted that there is a circle of enthusiasts known as " breeders ." They dedicate themselves to crossbreeding varieties to create new ones.

Advantages of heirloom tomatoes

• Excellent taste and texture : Authentic flavors that impress .
• Biodiversity contribution : They are often more resilient and better adapted to local conditions.
• Adaptation to the terroir , which minimizes the use of chemical treatments.

 

The best heirloom tomato varieties

The essential varieties for cultivation

 

Tomato “Cuore di Bue”: The real oxheart tomato

Origin: Italy.
Characteristics: Firm, meaty texture, few seeds, heart-shaped, slightly sweet taste.
Ideal for lovers of melt-in-your-mouth and authentically flavored tomatoes .

A note:  Même si elle est la plus ancienne tomato cordiforme référencée, the character cordiforme ensemble être apparu à diverses reprises. (toutes les tomatoes cordiformes ne sont pas nécessairement apparentées à la tomate Cuore di bu)

Tomato " Riccio di Parma " – Heritage and Flavor

Origin: Parma, Italy (over 200 years old)
Characteristics: Ribbed fruit, rustic appearance, juicy flesh with a rich aroma. Perfect for stews and sauces.

Tomato " Carbon" : A flavor explosion

Origin: USA.
Characteristics: Dark purple to black, juicy, intensely smoky aroma.
Awarded multiple times for its exceptional taste.

Tomato “ Galapagos ”: The wild tomato

Origin: Galapagos Islands.
Characteristics: Small, orange fruits, resistant to extreme conditions.
Tart taste and authentic aroma.

Tomato “ Andine Cornue ”: The sauce tomato

Origin: Andes Mountains.
Characteristics: Long, pepper-shaped fruits with low water content. Ideal for sauces, dried or pickled tomatoes.

Tomato “ Big Zac ”: The record tomato

Features: Giant fruits weighing up to several kilos, selected for their size. Special feature: Perfected in France – European record at 3.988 kg! famille Daho

Tomato " Cherokee Purple ": The best black tomato

Origin: Cherokee tribes (USA)
Characteristics: Dark purple, dense flesh, complex taste (balanced sweetness and acidity).

Tomato “ Jaune du Lac de Bret ”The Swiss tomato

This local variety, which produces bright orange fruit, originates from the Lac de Bret region in Switzerland. Its tender flesh and subtle, sweet-fruity flavor make it a highlight for colorful salads or cooked dishes.

Tomato " Rose de Berne ": The epitome of a tomato

Origin: France.
Characteristics: Fine skin, delicate pink color, juicy and intensely sweet aroma.

Tomato “ Miel du Mexique ”: The sweet candy tomato

Origin: Mexico.
Characteristics: Small, orange fruits with a thin peel and an exceptionally sweet taste.

 

Le conseil des abonnés

Nous avons demander l'avis de nos subscriptions sur Facebook, voici une selection de tomatoes anciennes pour compléter les variétés présentés ici.

Pamplemouss du grand père. Russian Rose. Marianna's Peace. Moya noire . Manuzienne. Portuguese. 

N'hésitez pas à nous contacter pour ajouter vos tomatoes anciennes préférée.

 

Conclusion

• Heirloom tomatoes offer an amazing variety of flavors, colors, and stories.
• Sustainable gardening : Stable varieties make it possible to harvest seeds and promote biodiversity.
• There are over 40,000 varieties waiting to be discovered – a lifetime of enjoyment!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about heirloom tomatoes

Is it possible to grow heirloom tomatoes in pots?

Yes, especially smaller varieties like "Miel du Mexique" or "Galapagos" are suitable for this.

Which varieties are cold-resistant?

Wild tomatoes tend to be more robust, but not as tasty as cultivated varieties.

Are there varieties that are resistant to late blight and brown rot?

No , complete resistance does not exist. Some varieties are less susceptible, but not resistant.

Is it possible to grow tomatoes without irrigation?

Yes, that is possible under certain conditions, but irrigation is essential for high yields.

How long do heirloom tomato seeds remain viable?

5 to 10 years if stored in a dry place and protected from light.

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