Cherokee Purple
Noted for their dense, juicy texture and dark purple/red color, theCherokee Purple Tomato is likely a favorite cultivar among American history buffs. The century-old story goes that the previously unnamed tomato seeds were said to have been originally cultivated by the Cherokee Indians and given to thier neighbors in Tennessee. Upon growing the fruit, the recipients, in conjuction with the exploits of fellow horticulturists, documented the unusual colorings along with the historical value and named the fruit thusly. Beefsteak in style and of heirloom quality, the Cherokee Purple lives up to its name.
Marmande
The Marmande Tomato is one of the larger heirloom varieties noted for its wonderful taste and distinctive appearance. This beautifully formed fruit displays pleat-like folds extending from the stem downward giving the tomato a big-shouldered look; not to mention a big beefy bite. The Marmande are unique much like the region in southwestern France of the same name. The fertile soils of Marmande, France are known throughout Europe for their abundant tomato production. Sure, you can refer to it as the “Beefsteak of Europe”; we’ll just call it delicious!
Mortgage Lifter
One of the more interesting stories ever told regarding the origins of one particular tomato cultvar, the Mortgage Lifter, may serve as an inspiration to anyone having trouble paying off a loan. The story goes that back in the 1940′s an enterprising fellow named M. C. Byles a.k.a. “Radiator Charlie” was struggling with a failing radiator repair business when he perfected a cross-breeding method of growing tomatoes. The result was a tastier and larger fruit which reportedly sold for one dollar per plant; rather expensive in those days. Fortunately for Mr. Byles, his idea picked up steam (no pun intended) and he subsequently was able to pay off his mortgage in just four years from sales generated following the innovation.