No better image encompasses an American summer like fresh, ripe, hardy tomatoes!  While there are many hybrids available ready to eat or grow, the heirloom tomato is unique because it is an open-pollinated (non-hybrid) cultivar that has been kept within select families for hundreds of years.   Recently they have gained mass popularity due to their wonderful variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors-a culinary delight!

Some of the more commonly recognized names include:

• Big Rainbow: large, yellow tomato with red swirls; has mild and sweet flavor.
• Blaby Special: red tomato; originating from the village of Blaby in Leicestershire from the 20th century to 1948 
• Black Krim: dark red to brown tomato; originating from the Crimean Peninsula in the Ukraine
• Brandywine: large, pink tomato; originating from Ohio during the 1800s. 
• Cherokee Purple: black to deep rose tomato; originating from a family in Tennessee who received the plant from Cherokee Indians during the 1800s.
• Green Zebra: medium sized tomato in yellow, green, and striped;  first sold in Kansas in 1983
• Hillbilly: a variety of big rainbow; large, orange and yellow with red and pink stripes; very flavorful
• Jubilee: golden, orange and mild tomato; released in 1943
• Lillian’s Yellow Heirloom: bright yellow, Tennesee
• Mortgage Lifter: pink, sweet and tasty
• Traveler: pink tomato; released in 1970s

Now you can grow your own bountiful garden this summer with today’s SUNDAY DEAL:  TODAY ONLY, QVC Online is offering a 9 plant sweet summer heirloom tomato set from Cottage Farms for $24.13 (retail price $42.00)!   QVC Item # M-15875

The set comes with 9 seedlings and 6 special varieties sure to tantalize the taste buds.  Order now and you’ll receive a shipment of seedlings during the perfect growing season for your specific state.  For example, residents of Southern Florida can start to receive shipments now while Minnesota residents wait until May.  In addition to QVC’s 30-day product guarantee, Cottage Farms warrants 1-yr and 90 days annuals from the day of shipment. 

MarkDownMom Extras:

Tomatoes are an excellent source of Vitamins A (fat soluble vitamin excellent for vision and bone health), Vitamin C (immunity), and the antioxidant lycopene (great for heart health and cancer prevention).   Although tomatoes are often listed as a vegetable, they technically are a fruit because of their visible seeds located within the flesh.  Tomatoes taste great alone, or can be used in several dishes including salads, soups, breads, or pizza.  Below, MDM has listed some yummy recipes that you can look forward to once you’ve harvested your heirloom tomatoes. 

Avocado Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes (Simply Recipes®)
Heirloom Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad (Simply Recipes®)
Baked Brandywines (Backyard Gardener)
Heirloom Tomato Tart in a Parmesan Crust (101 Cookbooks)
Orzo Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes and Herbs (Epicurious)
Roasted Heirloom Tomato Soup with Peppers (Fork & Bottle)
Sliced Heirloom Tomato Stack with Blue Cheese (Food Network)
Heirloom Tomato Panzanella (Food Network)

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