Organic purple tomato 'Cherokee Purple'
Mauve 'Cherokee Purple' Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Offered by Ferme Tourne-Sol
The 'Cherokee Purple' tomato is an iconic heirloom variety, renowned for its dark flesh with mauve hues , its rich, complex, and smoky flavor , and its incomparably melting texture. Its medium to large, slightly flattened fruits have a reddish-brown skin and juicy flesh marbled with pink, purple, and green. Very vigorous , productive , and indeterminate , it offers abundant harvests of flavorful tomatoes throughout the season.
Considered by many gardeners to be one of the best tomatoes in the world, it brings exceptional aromatic depth to both fresh and cooked dishes.
Type: Purple heirloom tomato
Plant growth habit: Indeterminate
Spread: 50 to 70 cm
Plant height: 1.5 to 2 m
Quantity per packet: 50 seeds
Maturity: 75 to 85 days
Companion plants: Basil, garlic, onion, parsley, marigold
Enemy plants: Fennel, potato (similar diseases)
Farming method
The 'Cherokee Purple' tomato prefers full sun and rich , deep , well-drained soil enriched with compost. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant when nighttime temperatures are above 10°C (50°F) . Being an indeterminate variety, it requires sturdy support , such as a robust trellis or reinforced cages, to support the large fruit.
A spacing of 50 to 70 cm promotes good air circulation around the foliage and reduces the risk of disease. Watering at the base of the plant and applying mulch helps to stabilize moisture and prevent splashing that can transmit diseases. Despite its old-fashioned appearance, it grows very well in a variety of climates.
Uses and benefits
The 'Cherokee Purple' tomato is exceptional in salads , gourmet sandwiches , artisanal burgers , tartares , or simply sliced with a drizzle of olive oil to fully appreciate its complex aroma. Its dense, juicy flesh also lends itself to mildly cooked dishes , such as tarts or light roasts. It is rich in antioxidants , particularly anthocyanins (beneficial purple pigments), vitamin C , lycopene , and essential minerals , contributing to cardiovascular and immune health. Its deep flavor and unique color make it an exceptional tomato, highly prized by gourmets and gardeners alike.
