I still remember the first time I bit into a Cherokee Purple tomato from my neighbor’s garden. The complex, sweet flavor was nothing like the bland supermarket tomatoes I’d grown up with. That moment changed everything about how I think about growing my own food.
If you’ve ever wondered why your store-bought tomatoes taste like cardboard, or you’re tired of spending $6 per pound on “heirloom” varieties at the farmer’s market, you’re in the right place. Growing your own best tasting heirloom tomatoes isn’t just about saving money – it’s about experiencing flavors that will completely transform your cooking and eating.
Let’s dig into the world of heirloom tomatoes—where every bite is a burst of history, flavor, and color. This guide will help you choose the top 10 heirloom tomato varieties for taste, share real-life growing tips, and show you how to make the most of your harvest. Ready to transform your garden and your meals? Let’s get started!
What Are Heirloom Tomatoes?
Heirloom tomato varieties are open-pollinated seeds that have been passed down through generations, usually for at least 50 years. Unlike hybrid tomatoes bred for shipping and shelf life, these heritage tomatoes were selected for one thing: incredible flavor.
Heirloom tomatoes are the crown jewels of the garden. Each one comes with its own story, flavor, and personality. But the real magic of heirloom tomatoes lies in their taste. Heirloom varieties are often more flavorful than hybrid tomatoes, offering a richness, sweetness, and complexity that’s hard to beat. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, adding visual interest to your garden and meals. You’ll find heirlooms in every color of the rainbow—deep purples, sunny yellows, striped greens, and even chocolate browns. Some are tiny and bite-sized, while others are massive beefsteaks.
Because they’re open-pollinated, you can save seeds from your favorite heirloom tomatoes and grow them year after year. It’s a great way to keep gardening traditions alive and share your favorites with friends and family.
Each heirloom variety has a story. Some were brought to America by immigrants, others developed by families and passed down through generations. When you grow heirlooms, you’re not just planting tomatoes—you’re planting a piece of history. Plus, growing heirloom tomatoes gives you the chance to try different varieties that you won’t find at your local grocery store.
Top 10 Best Tasting Heirloom Tomatoes
Ready to discover the best of the best? Here are my top 10 heirloom tomato varieties for flavor, beauty, and garden performance. I’ve grown these myself, swapped seeds with friends, and tasted them fresh off the vine. Let’s meet the stars of the heirloom world!
1. Cherokee Purple
This Cherokee Purple variety delivers everything you want in a beefsteak tomato. If you want a tomato that’s juicy, smoky, and packed with that “real tomato” flavor, Cherokee Purple is a must. Its dusky purple skin and deep red flesh make it a showstopper in salads and sandwiches. This variety is legendary among tomato lovers for its complex, old-fashioned taste.
I’ve grown Cherokee Purple in both raised beds and containers, and it consistently yields 10-15 pounds per plant. The key is providing full sun and consistent watering – these plants hate drought stress.
Why gardeners love it:
Cherokee Purple has a cult following for good reason. It’s perfect for BLTs, caprese salads, or just sliced with a sprinkle of salt.
Growing tip:
Cherokee Purple thrives in full sun and needs sturdy staking. It’s a reliable producer even in hot, humid summers. Give it plenty of space and watch those purple beauties grow!
2. Brandywine
Brandywine is the gold standard for heirloom tomatoes. With its large, pink fruit and creamy, almost buttery flavor, it’s perfect for slicing and eating fresh. This variety is often the first recommendation for gardeners chasing the best-tasting tomato.
Why gardeners love it:
Brandywine tomatoes can weigh over a pound each! Their meaty texture and rich flavor make them a favorite for sandwiches and summer feasts.
Growing tip:
Brandywine plants can be a bit finicky—give them rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Mulch around the base to keep roots cool and happy.
3. Black Krim
Looking for something bold? Black Krim delivers a deep, savory flavor with a hint of saltiness. Its dark, maroon skin and juicy flesh make it a favorite for sandwiches and salads. This variety hails from Russia and is known for performing well in both cool and warm climates.
Why gardeners love it:
Black Krim’s unique color and smoky flavor make it a conversation starter at any garden party.
Growing tip:
Black Krim tolerates variable weather but appreciates regular watering for best fruit quality. Stake well to support heavy fruit.
4. Kellogg’s Breakfast
Bright orange and bursting with sweetness, Kellogg’s Breakfast is a standout for anyone who loves a low-acid, fruity tomato. Its large, beefsteak fruits are perfect for slicing and adding a pop of color to your plate.
Why gardeners love it:
This tomato is sunshine in fruit form—sweet, juicy, and perfect for summer salads.
Growing tip:
These plants get big, so give them plenty of space and support. They thrive in warm, sunny spots.
5. Green Zebra
Don’t let the green color fool you – Green Zebra tomatoes are fully ripe when they show yellow stripes. These medium-sized fruits pack a bright, tangy punch that’s perfect for salads and salsas. It’s also one of the most eye-catching tomatoes you can grow.
Why gardeners love it:
Green Zebra is perfect for anyone who wants something different. Its tart flavor is a hit in fresh salsas and salads.
Growing tip:
Harvest when the stripes turn yellow for the best flavor. Don’t wait for it to turn red—it won’t!
6. Mortgage Lifter
With a name like Mortgage Lifter, you know this tomato has a story. Developed during the Great Depression, it’s famous for its huge, pink fruits and rich, sweet flavor. It’s a heavy producer—perfect if you want to share with friends or sell at the farmers market.
Why gardeners love it:
Mortgage Lifter is a workhorse—big, flavorful, and productive.
Growing tip:
These plants are vigorous and need strong cages or stakes. Feed regularly for the biggest harvest.
7. Hillbilly
Hillbilly tomatoes are showstoppers with their yellow base and red stripes. But it’s not just about looks – these large fruits have an exceptional sweet flavor with low acidity.
Originally from West Virginia, Hillbilly performs best in warm climates but adapts well to various USDA hardiness zones. The fruits can reach 1-2 pounds when grown in optimal conditions.
Why gardeners love it:
Hillbilly is perfect for slicing and showing off at summer BBQs.
Growing tip:
Hillbilly is a good choice for gardeners in the South thanks to its heat tolerance. Give it room to sprawl!
8. Chocolate Stripes
Chocolate Stripes is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Its marbled brown and red skin hints at the rich, complex flavor inside. This tomato is perfect for slicing and showing off in salads.
Why gardeners love it:
The flavor is as intriguing as the look—sweet, earthy, and unforgettable.
Growing tip:
Regular feeding helps bring out the best color and flavor. Stake well to support the heavy fruit.
9. Aunt Ruby’s German Green
Don’t let the green color fool you—Aunt Ruby’s German Green is packed with spicy-sweet flavor. It’s a favorite among tomato enthusiasts who want something different and delicious.
Why gardeners love it:
It’s a conversation starter and a taste sensation—great for adventurous eaters.
Growing tip:
Pick when the bottom of the fruit softens slightly and the green turns a bit yellowish. Don’t wait for it to turn red!
10. Eva Purple Ball
If you need a reliable, disease-resistant heirloom, Eva Purple Ball is your go-to. It produces round, pink fruits with a balanced, classic tomato taste. It’s great for canning, salads, and sandwiches.
Why gardeners love it:
Eva Purple Ball is consistent, productive, and stands up to tough growing conditions.
Growing tip:
This variety is known for its consistency, even in tough growing seasons. Perfect for beginners!
How to Grow Heirloom Tomatoes Successfully
Growing heirloom tomatoes can be incredibly rewarding, but they do have some quirks. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
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Soil: Start with rich, well-drained soil. Mix in plenty of compost or aged manure before planting.
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Sunlight: Tomatoes love sun! Aim for at least 6-8 hours a day.
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Watering: Water deeply and consistently. Try to keep the leaves dry to prevent disease—drip irrigation or soaker hoses work great.
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Disease Resistance: Some heirlooms are more prone to disease than hybrids. Rotate your crops each year, mulch around plants, and choose disease-resistant varieties like Eva Purple Ball if you’ve had trouble in the past.
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Support: Most heirlooms are indeterminate—they keep growing and producing all season. Use sturdy stakes or cages to keep plants upright and fruit off the ground.
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Seed Saving: Let a few fruits fully ripen, scoop out the seeds, and dry them for next year. It’s easy, fun, and a great way to share your favorites with friends.
Last summer, I lost a few plants to blight because I forgot to rotate my crops. Lesson learned! Now I keep a simple garden journal to track where I plant each year. It’s made a huge difference.
Tip:
When choosing seeds, look for varieties suited to your climate and growing conditions. Don’t be afraid to experiment—half the fun is discovering new favorites!
Tips for Enjoying and Using Heirloom Tomatoes
Heirloom tomatoes are so good, you’ll want to use them in every meal. Here are some delicious ideas:
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Salads: Mix different colors and shapes for a stunning heirloom tomato salad. Add fresh basil, mozzarella, and a drizzle of olive oil for a classic caprese.
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Sandwiches: Nothing beats a thick slice of Brandywine or Cherokee Purple on a BLT or burger.
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Salsas and Sauces: Green Zebra and Black Krim add unique flavors to homemade salsa. Roast Mortgage Lifter or Kellogg’s Breakfast for a sweet, concentrated sauce.
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Roasting: Slice and slow-roast tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a rich, savory treat.
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Preserving: Can or freeze extra tomatoes to enjoy all year. Try making homemade tomato sauce or salsa for a taste of summer in the middle of winter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes heirloom tomatoes taste better than hybrids?
Heirloom tomatoes are bred for flavor, not for shipping or shelf life. Their genetics focus on taste, resulting in richer, more complex flavors than most hybrids.
Can I grow heirloom tomatoes in containers or small spaces?
Absolutely! Choose compact or determinate varieties, use large pots, and provide plenty of sun and support. I’ve grown Black Krim and Green Zebra in 5-gallon buckets with great results.
Are heirloom tomatoes more prone to disease?
Some are, but many (like Eva Purple Ball) have good disease resistance. Rotate crops, use mulch, and keep plants healthy for best results. Don’t stress—most problems can be managed with a little care.
How do I save seeds from heirloom tomatoes for next year?
Let the fruit fully ripen, scoop out the seeds, rinse and dry them. Store in a cool, dry place until next season. It’s easy, and you’ll love growing your own saved seeds!
Conclusion
If you want tomatoes that actually taste like tomatoes, growing heirloom varieties is the way to go. From the smoky depth of Cherokee Purple to the sweet sunshine of Kellogg’s Breakfast, there’s a perfect heirloom for every garden and every palate. Don’t settle for bland, store-bought tomatoes—bring real flavor to your table and keep gardening traditions alive.
Ready to start your heirloom tomato adventure? Pick a few varieties from this list, grab some seeds, and get growing. And if you want more tips on growing the best vegetables or choosing the right plants for your climate, check out our related articles on tomato gardening and organic seed saving. Happy gardening—your taste buds will thank you!
Internal Links:
- How to Prepare Soil to Plant: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
- 15 Best Vegetables to Plant in April
Now, go out there and grow some tomatoes that’ll make you proud—and maybe even a little famous in your neighborhood!
