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Seeds | Cherokee Purple Tomato
  • Seeds | Cherokee Purple Tomato
Seeds | Cherokee Purple Tomato

Seeds | Cherokee Purple Tomato

$3.99 CAD
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Cherokee Purple heirloom tomato seeds produce distinctive dark purple-pink fruits with complex, rich flavor profiles, prized by gardening enthusiasts.
A LITTLE HISTORY

The Cherokee Purple tomato is an iconic variety that has captivated the palates of heirloom tomato lovers and foodies since its introduction in the 1990s. Here's a detailed history of this particular tomato:

  • Origins and Introduction
    In the 1990s, John Green, a resident of Sevierville, Tennessee, played a crucial role in introducing the Cherokee Purple tomato to the horticultural world. He mailed seeds of this unnamed purple tomato to Craig LeHoullier, an heirloom tomato expert with Seed Savers Exchange. Green claimed the seeds originated from the Cherokee Native American community, passed down through local generations for over a century.
  • Development and Appointment
    Craig LeHoullier named this tomato "Cherokee Purple" in recognition of its origins and connection to the Cherokee community. Despite its unconventional appearance and what could be described as a "bruised leg" look, the tomato proved to have exceptional flavor, prompting Seed Savers Exchange to include it in their seed catalog in 1993.
  • Reception and Popularity
    Initially considered unattractive by some due to its irregular appearance, Cherokee Purple quickly gained popularity for its rich, robust flavor. Alex Hitt, a grower in North Carolina, was one of the first to successfully cultivate this variety and sell it in local markets despite its physical imperfections.
  • Recognition and Classification
    In 2014, Cherokee Purple was honored by the Seed Savers Exchange as one of the top ten heirloom tomato varieties. Botanically classified as Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Cherokee Purple, this tomato is a member of the Solanaceae family, which includes plants such as tobacco and peppers.
  • Features and Use
    Cherokee Purple tomatoes belong to the "Beefsteak" tomato group, characterized by their large size, juicy flesh, and strong flavor. They are ideal for eating fresh sliced ​​in salads, sandwiches, or simply seasoned with olive oil and salt.

In conclusion, Cherokee Purple represents a living testament to the historical and cultural importance of heirloom tomato varieties, while providing a rich and flavorful culinary experience.

Its popularity continues to grow among gardening enthusiasts and chefs due to its exceptional taste and deep connection to American agricultural history.
PROPERTIES

Tomatoes, including the Cherokee Purple variety, are known to offer several health benefits due to their nutritional profile rich in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial phytochemicals. Here are some medicinal properties and potential benefits associated with eating tomatoes:

  • Antioxidants: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants such as lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. Lycopene, in particular, is a powerful antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
  • Heart Support: Regular tomato consumption is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The potassium and antioxidants in tomatoes can help lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and protect against LDL cholesterol oxidation.
  • Bone Health: Tomatoes contain potassium, vitamin K, and calcium, all important for maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis.
  • Vision Support: Vitamin A in tomatoes is essential for vision, especially in maintaining retinal health and preventing age-related eye problems like macular degeneration.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects: Certain phytochemicals in tomatoes may have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce chronic inflammation in the body, which is often associated with various diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
  • Immune Support: Vitamin C found in tomatoes is essential for strengthening the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells and increasing resistance to infections.
HOW TO COOK?

Here is a detailed recipe for making a delicious sandwich featuring this heirloom tomato variety:

Cherokee Purple Tomato Sandwich
Ingredients :

Slices of artisan bread (e.g. sourdough, multigrain)
Cherokee Purple tomatoes, sliced
Tuscan lettuce leaf basil leaves
Beetroot leaves (optional)
Mayonnaise (optional)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions :

Bread preparation:

Heat your oven to broil.
Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until lightly browned and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning them.
Sandwich assembly:

Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on a slice of toast (if desired).
Generously arrange the Cherokee Purple tomato slices on the toasted bread slice.
Add basil leaves to Tuscan lettuce leaves on top of the tomatoes.
If using beet greens, arrange them on the sandwich as well for an extra touch of freshness and color.
Seasoning:

Lightly sprinkle sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the tomatoes and basil leaves to enhance the flavors.
Final assembly:

Cover the sandwich with the second slice of toast.
Slice the sandwich diagonally if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

This sandwich will showcase the sweet, rich flavor of Cherokee Purple tomatoes, along with the subtle aroma of basil and the freshness of beet greens.

Artisanal multigrain bread will add a robust texture that perfectly complements the juicy ingredients of the sandwich. It's a great option for taking full advantage of this flavorful, heirloom tomato variety in a simple and delicious meal.
HOW TO GROW?

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated and adapted to the Quebec climate.

  • Species: Lycopersicon esculentum cv
  • Sowing: sow in pots in mid-February (to grow in an outdoor greenhouse in mid-May) or sow in mid-March in an indoor pot to grow outdoors in June. Does not like the cold.
  • Seeds: 2 seeds per pot, as you will have to transplant each seed into separate pots.
  • Sowing depth: 1cm
  • Germination time: 7-14 days
  • Soil: Slightly acidic, humus-rich, loose, fresh and well-drained
  • Location: Requires very hot cultivation and plenty of sun and needs staking
  • Spacing between plants: 40-45cm
  • Height at maturity: 260-275cm
  • Maturity: 75-80 days | | Indeterminate Plant
  • Seed per envelope: +/- 25
    Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.

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