What is a blue tomato (or indigo tomato)? ?
Indigo tomatoes are unique-looking tomato varieties, characterized by a dark, shiny skin that can be purple, blue or black in color. These tomatoes are also known as anthocyanin tomatoes, as they are rich in antioxidants and nutrients such as lycopene, vitamin C and potassium.
Indigo tomatoes were developed by a research unit at the University of Oregon (Oregan State University or « OSU »). The aim was to create a tomato high in antioxidants to help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Under the direction of Jim Myers, the students developed a new line by crossing tomatoes with wild solanaceous varieties (such as tomatillos or nightshades). After years of research, the researchers succeeded in isolating and fixing this « eggplant blue » color in a tomato. The result is the OSU P20 variety, an acronym for « series N°20, Oregon State University ». So this is not a GMO, just a (somewhat unnatural) inter-species cross, a bit like the cross between donkey and horse to produce mules.
The famous OSU P20, the first blue tomato. A variety as original as tasteless
Indigo tomatoes have a similar taste to traditional red tomatoes, but are less sweet and more acidic. They also have (for the most part) thick, acidic skins (like plum skins). In short, if you like tasty tomatoes, look for other varieties, as blue varieties are often disappointing in terms of taste.
So why grow blue tomatoes?
Indigo tomatoes have a similar taste to traditional red tomatoes, but are less sweet and more acidic. They also have (for the most part) thick, acidic skins (like plum skins). In short, if you like tasty tomatoes, look for other varieties, as blue varieties are often disappointing in terms of taste.
Tomato Primary colors angora. a tomato with down from leaves to fruit
Tomate Primary colors angora. Style, fun and little taste
Wolverine tomato, little taste but a lot of class 🙂
From labs to vegetable gardens?
In 2004, a few seeds were illegally exported from research labs… A race to innovate began among garden collectors and professional seed companies. In just 2 decades, several 100 blue varieties have been created. All with the same ambition: to develop the most beautiful variety possible, with maximum taste!
Of course, this takes time…. A lot of time! But by dint of crossbreeding, breeders are beginning to develop blue varieties with a certain taste appeal. As is the case with the two varieties below:
Rebel Star fighter Prime tomato, a pleasantly tart variety
Tomato La Cadéro, Created by Bruno Fournier. One of the few blue varieties I find interesting to taste.
La Cadéro tomato, a blue tomato with black flesh, with a very pronounced « Crimean black » taste.
It’s important to note that Indigo tomatoes are all modern varieties. They are still relatively new on the market, which is why they are hard to find in stores. However, they can be grown in gardens or bought online from specialist growers.
To order blue variety seeds, click here:
Sources and links for further information:
https://jardinagenaturel.wordpress.com/2015/08/31/a-propos-des-tomates-partie-v-le-buzz-de-la-tomate-bleue/
https://www.quatremoineaux.be/2017/08/tomates-bleues-histoire-culture.html
https://cultivetarue.fr/pourquoi-les-varietes-a-anthocyane-bleues-sont-elles-indesirees/