How to Harvest Cherokee Heirloom Tomatoes
The Cherokee heirloom tomato, or Cherokee Purple as it is more commonly known, is a variety of tomato plant that dates back to the 1800s and is said to have been developed by the Cherokee Indians. While the origins of the tomato cannot be proven, what is known is the plant produces large, deep purple, beefsteak-type fruits with brick red flesh. Cherokee purple tomato seeds can be purchased through many garden catalogs or obtained by joining seed exchange programs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Sharp knife or garden scissors
- Basket (or other container for collecting)
Instructions
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Determine the ripe tomatoes on the vine by several factors. The fruit will be large, between 3/4 and 1 pound in weight. The skin will be a deep purple or burgundy in color. The fruit will be firm, but not hard, to the touch.
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Harvest only the ripe fruit. Use a sharp knife or garden scissors to cut the stem of the tomato from the plant.
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Place the tomato into the basket, or other container, gently so that you do not bruise the fruit. Repeat with the remaining ripe tomatoes.
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Place the fruit in the refrigerator as soon as possible after harvesting.
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Freeze or can any excess tomatoes that you cannot eat within seven days of the harvest.
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Tips & Warnings
Cherokee purple heirlooms mature in 65 to 80 days and the plants can grow as large as 8 feet tall.
Most heirloom tomatoes, including the Cherokee, are susceptible to both fusarium and verticillium wilt.
Pick any tomato that has a cracked skin as soon as possible.
Cherokee heirlooms will rot quickly if left on the vine after becoming fully ripe.
To save your own seeds for the next growing season, wash the seeds from the Cherokee Purple and dry on paper towels. Store the dried seeds in a sealed envelope in the refrigerator until planting time.
Because of their meatiness, Cherokee Purple tomatoes are great for dehydrating.
Serve Cherokee tomatoes as slices for sandwiches or as wedges for salads. They can also be diced and cooked down for sauces.
Provided you have the space, the Cherokee Purple tomato can also be grown in a container. Be sure to allow enough room for the plant to reach its full height.
