Jersey Devil Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum)

Jersey Devil Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum): this ancient American variety is particularly important because of its organoleptic characteristics. It is very productive, fruits are elongated, bright red, about 10 cm long, characterized by a pointed tip. It has very few seeds inside, and provides the full taste of “real” ancient tomatoes.

The first bite of its juicy pulp is a ticket ino memory lane, since it brings back the strong, intense taste of tomatoes grown in gardens years ago.

It is that particular taste that raises appreciation in those passionate and expert growers, now wisement, that remember the tomatoes that were boiled to preserve making, it is undoubtedly born for sauces.

The plant is indeterminate and the fruit ripens in 80 days; unlike tomatoes in this category it is immune to apical rot and tolerates water stress pretty well. It has been listed in SSE Yearbooks since at least the late 1970's to early 1980's.

The Jersey giant, now used industrially, was developed from this variety and the San Marzano probably as well, but that’s another story...