Today I wandered into a fruit and vegetable shop I very seldom visit. What I found there was amazing.
There it was – The Mother of All Tomatoes – the biggest I have ever seen in my life! And not just the biggest – it was ridged and heart shaped. As were all its smaller siblings. Not kidding.
I took photos to prove it. In fact I did more than that. I adopted one and brought it home. Along the way I showed it off proudly to others. Everyone else was as gobsmacked as me.
Ta-dahh! here they are in the poster below. The Mother of them all is at the top right. See? I wasn’t kidding! The two photos on the bottom are of my adopted baby. She weighs in at 680 gm. On the right I have put her next to a ‘normal’ sized tomato just to give you a comparison. The Mother must be around 1.5kg. I should have asked them to weigh it for me.
My baby tomato smells good so I am expecting she will be juicy and sweet.
These beauties are called Heirloom tomatoes. They are garden-worthy varieties that have stood the test of time. They have been selected and saved by generations of gardeners, and offer some of the best yielding and best tasting varieties. Garden trials in Australia have shown that they are easy to grow, reliably productive and their pest and disease resistance is just as good as modern varieties.
As far as I have been able to determine this what they are – ‘Costoluto Genovese’ (Heirloom—Open Pollinated, 80-85 days) is so heavily ribbed that it looks misshapen, but these are some of the juiciest, best-tasting tomatoes you’ll ever grow.
I have now learnt a whole lot of new stuff about tomatoes.
I am delighted to announce the recipient of this month’s Soul Gifting – Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha. Thank you Jacquie for being part of my blogging family.
Jacquie’s blog a cooking pot and twisted tales came to my attention in early 2016 when both of us were participating in WP Photography 101. She has become a good friend. Jacquie is warm hearted and generous in her support of fellow bloggers. She writes to inspire, motivate and create with her poetry, short stories, vlogs, photography, monthly blogging parties and more. Do pay her a visit.
© Raili Tanska
Good morning 🐞
Beautiful fruit and veg 😳👍
We have that variety of tomatoes here in the summer and they are delicious but I have never seen one quite as big as the one you featured. Enjoy your repast. I like them with mozzarella and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
That sounds yum. Will have to try it 🙂
Wow! That’s a big one! We have heirloom tomatoes here, but I haven’t seen one that big.
I’ve heard of them but never seen one. That is really interesting looking! How the heck do you slice it???
With a knife! Sorry – couldn’t resist that 🙂 Apparently it’s good for sandwiches. One slice would be enough. I’ve had a couple of people tell me it’s great with mozarrella, fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Going to try that with dinner tonight.
We have that at restaurants here — though not with those kinds of tomatoes. They just call it tomato salad. Yummy!
I have had the pleasure during my lifetime to participate in eating the Mother of all tomatoes. It is delicious with sliced fresh Mozzarella, sprinkled with fresh Basil, Olive oil, and vinegar. Crusty Italian bread on the side makes a wonderful lunch. ☺☺
Ooooh – another great recipe! Thanks 🙂
What a prizey jewel. Thank you thank you Raili for this thoughtful act. I am smiling from ear to ear 🙂
My absolute pleasure, Jacquie 🙂 I’m smiling too!
man just making me hungry with this! heirloom tomatoes of all kinds i think are just the best! miss gardening……..thanks for the treat!
Delighted ! It was yummy 🙂
so interesting ☺
It was yummy 🙂
Wow those tomatoes looks so good to eat 😋😋
They were 🙂
Beautiful tomatoes! I love tomatoes and will be looking for these.
Wow, I didn’t know heirlooms could grow that big.
That was LITTLE !
Wow! 🙂
Beautiful!
It was 🙂