What Are Heirloom Tomatoes? A Complete Guide
Heirloom tomatoes are unique varieties grown from seeds passed down through generations, known for their diverse flavors and colors. Unlike standard hybrid tomatoes, heirlooms are open-pollinated and prioritize taste over uniformity. They are not necessarily organic, as their cultivation methods can vary.
- ▪Heirloom tomatoes are flavorful varieties grown from seeds that have been saved and handed down for at least 50 years.
- ▪Most tomatoes in grocery stores are hybrids, which are designed for uniformity and durability rather than taste.
- ▪The term heirloom is not regulated, allowing for potential misuse in marketing.
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CookingWhat Are Heirloom Tomatoes Anyway?These seasonal stunners are here for a good time, not a long time.By Emily SaladinoMay 19, 2026Photographs by Scott Semler, Food Styling by Drew Aichele, Prop Styling by Maggie DiMarcoEach spring, Spencer Huey brings thousands of homegrown heirloom tomatoes to a parking lot in Berkeley, California, for a one-day community sale. “I grow 50 varieties of tomatoes and 2,500 plants,” says Huey, a cook at Chez Panisse and the creator of the Tomato Club substack. “It’s a little crazy.”Fortunately, there are plenty of enthusiasts who share his devotion. As temperatures rise, heirloom tomatoes—open-pollinated varieties grown from seeds that have been passed down for generations—headline backyard plots, farmstands, Michelin-starred kitchens, and beyond.
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