Tomato 'Green Zebra' Organic
identification
description
Organic 'Green Zebra' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a striped variety with a unique taste
Bred in 1985 by Tom Wagner of Tater Mater Seeds , the 'Green Zebra' tomato is an heirloom variety known for its distinctive appearance and unmistakable taste . Its 4-6 cm (1½ – 2½") deep green fruits with yellow stripes offer a sweet, slightly tart flavour that is perfect for salads, gourmet dishes and farmers markets. A high yielder , this tomato is as appealing for its distinctive appearance as it is for its refreshing, balanced taste.
Did you know?
Unlike other varieties, 'Green Zebra' does not turn red when ripe . It is ready to harvest when it turns yellow-green and becomes slightly soft to the touch.
Spread: vigorous growth and dense foliage
Plant height: 150 to 200 cm
Quantity per pack: ± 20 seeds
Companion plants: basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until maturity)
Enemy plants: potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Cultivation method
Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before planting out, then transplant to open ground after the last frost , when night temperatures are above 12°C . Plant 3-6 mm (1/8-1/4") deep , spacing plants 60-90 cm (24-36") apart and rows 120-180 cm (4-6') apart. This indeterminate variety requires strong staking to support its abundant production.
Harvesting and storage
Harvest tomatoes when their skin changes from dark green with stripes to a bright yellow-green and the fruit feels slightly soft to the touch. Unlike red tomatoes, their color doesn't change dramatically , so feel them to determine their ripeness.
Store tomatoes at room temperature , in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. For best storage, place them in a cool place (12-21°C) with a relative humidity of 95% . Avoid refrigerating them, as this alters their texture and taste.
Long-term preservation methods
Freezing: Cut into quarters or freeze whole for use in sauces or soups
Drying: Slice them thinly and let them dehydrate slowly for tasty tomato chips
Preserve: Prepare a tangy green salsa or marinated tomatoes for original recipes
Recipe: Fresh Salsa Verde with 'Green Zebra' Tomato
'Green Zebra', with its balanced acidity and freshness , is perfect for a tangy green salsa , ideal with tacos, grilled fish or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 'Green Zebra' tomatoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper (or less, depending on taste), finely chopped
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
- The juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Preparation
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl and let sit for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to infuse
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper or additional lime juice
- Serve chilled with tortillas, grilled fish or roasted vegetables
