Select Culture

Here is a quick guide to check some of the tomatoes from the most popular and interesting heritage which can be seen on the farm now, or you can grow in your garden next year. Descriptions courtesy of Heidi and Bobbi Clark Clark Hunt Farms in Jefferson and Damariscotta.

Black Prince - Small, brown to black with juicy fruit that originates red tomato in Siberia; grows well in colder climates. "A tomato steaming chocolate," Chase said.

Boxcar Willie - large enough to cut bright orange berries. "My favorite," Clark said. . "Smooth cut and less acidic than a normal tomato Fair 'em up and serve with a little olive oil, salt and pepper."

Cherokee Purple - intense purple red fruit desired as one of the tastiest of all assets; first grown by the Cherokee Indians. "A sweet and smoky character," Chase said.

Mortgage Lifter - originally from West Virginia and, according to legend, tomatoes huge, helped the farmers who first raised the house payment.

Orange beef heart - Attractive large yellow-orange fruit with firm flesh, useful for both cutting and cooking; yellow tomatoes and oranges are less acidic than red in the rule.

Brandywine Red - Grand disfigured fruit each two pounds; "A taste of real old tomatoes down-home, a great sauce it," Chase said. "People love it."

German Stripes - Big fruit often wears distinctive red stripes on yellow. "One of my personal favorites with low acidity, but a lot of flavor," Chase said. "Beautiful on the plate."

Valencia - medium yellow fruit that is soft and sweet with a small number of seeds and good for cooking. "It's as close to a form of Rome can be reached with a legacy," Clark said.