Heirloom Tomatoes and Seed Saving
Some people might ask why we grow heirloom tomatoes, they look so different! Believe us; they are worth taking a chance on a different looking tomato. The variety of colors and tastes, allows people with all different taste buds to enjoy these tomatoes.
Heirloom means that this is a type of tomato that has been passed down through the generations. These are tomatoes that have been around since at least World War II. The seeds have been saved and passed down so that the traditional varieties continue. These tomatoes have not been modified by science, so your tomatoes are in their truest form.
Saving seeds is something that you can do at home. Anything that is open-pollinated can be saved, which means that it occurs naturally and is not created by man. That is just another reason why heirloom tomatoes are superior, less dependence on buying seed or plants when you can just produce it yourself!
To save tomato seeds, to remove as much gunk as possible and put them into a cup full of water. The rest of the pulp attached to the seeds will separate from the seeds in a few days, making them easier to clean. Put a paper towel over top of the jar to discourage any bugs from being interested.
After the separation has occurred, rinse the seeds off by placing them in a strainer and running cold water over them. Then, set them out on newspaper or cheese cloth to dry. Using a paper towel just makes them stick to the fibers and then they are difficult to get off.
Once they are dry, place them in into a jar that you can close so they can be stored in a cool, dry place until next year. You may also use a Ziploc bag, but a jar decreases your use of plastic. Next year, just plant the seeds when you are ready.
You can follow these instructions for saving other seeds as well, but most will not need the soaking if you can get the seeds clean without that step. If you use seeds from things that are hybrids, or man made, then they will not produce something true to the plant next year. You will end up with something like it, but not exactly what you had before. And, if you need any help saving your seeds, there are lots of resources out there, even seed savers exchanges. Happy seed saving!
Some people might ask why we grow heirloom tomatoes, they look so different! Believe us; they are worth taking a chance on a different looking tomato. The variety of colors and tastes, allows people with all different taste buds to enjoy these tomatoes.
Heirloom means that this is a type of tomato that has been passed down through the generations. These are tomatoes that have been around since at least World War II. The seeds have been saved and passed down so that the traditional varieties continue. These tomatoes have not been modified by science, so your tomatoes are in their truest form.
Saving seeds is something that you can do at home. Anything that is open-pollinated can be saved, which means that it occurs naturally and is not created by man. That is just another reason why heirloom tomatoes are superior, less dependence on buying seed or plants when you can just produce it yourself!
To save tomato seeds, to remove as much gunk as possible and put them into a cup full of water. The rest of the pulp attached to the seeds will separate from the seeds in a few days, making them easier to clean. Put a paper towel over top of the jar to discourage any bugs from being interested.
After the separation has occurred, rinse the seeds off by placing them in a strainer and running cold water over them. Then, set them out on newspaper or cheese cloth to dry. Using a paper towel just makes them stick to the fibers and then they are difficult to get off.
Once they are dry, place them in into a jar that you can close so they can be stored in a cool, dry place until next year. You may also use a Ziploc bag, but a jar decreases your use of plastic. Next year, just plant the seeds when you are ready.
You can follow these instructions for saving other seeds as well, but most will not need the soaking if you can get the seeds clean without that step. If you use seeds from things that are hybrids, or man made, then they will not produce something true to the plant next year. You will end up with something like it, but not exactly what you had before. And, if you need any help saving your seeds, there are lots of resources out there, even seed savers exchanges. Happy seed saving!
What’s included this week?
1. Heirloom tomatoes
2. Cucumbers
3. Bell peppers
4. Squash
5. Kale
6. Bread and butter pickles made fresh on Sunday (see the picture above). They have been canned so if you don’t get to them right away, store them in a cool dry place for up to 2 years. The date is on them just in case you forget. Refrigerate after opening.
2. Cucumbers
3. Bell peppers
4. Squash
5. Kale
6. Bread and butter pickles made fresh on Sunday (see the picture above). They have been canned so if you don’t get to them right away, store them in a cool dry place for up to 2 years. The date is on them just in case you forget. Refrigerate after opening.
Recipe of the Week
Garlic Bruschetta
1 cup diced ripe tomatoes
2 tablespoons chopped lemon basil leaves left over from last week
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 clove chopped garlic
Salt and ground black pepper
1 loaf French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick slices and toasted
*you can also add chopped mushrooms or onions, really anything to your taste
2 tablespoons chopped lemon basil leaves left over from last week
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 clove chopped garlic
Salt and ground black pepper
1 loaf French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick slices and toasted
*you can also add chopped mushrooms or onions, really anything to your taste
In a small bowl, combine tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and garlic. Mix well to combine. Season it to taste with salt and black pepper.
Spoon tomato mixture onto toasted bread slices and serve. We also like to put the bruschetta on the bread, sprinkle some cheese over top, and put it back in the oven for melting. Heirloom tomatoes make for some great bruschetta!
Spoon tomato mixture onto toasted bread slices and serve. We also like to put the bruschetta on the bread, sprinkle some cheese over top, and put it back in the oven for melting. Heirloom tomatoes make for some great bruschetta!
Thank you for your support,
Gretel and Steve
Gretel and Steve
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