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Here at Heritage Farm — the Northeast Iowa home of Seed Savers Exchange — the‘German Pink ’ tomatois perhaps better known as “ tomato turn one ” or “ the tomato that started it all . ”
Today Seed Savers Exchange steward approximately 20,000 heirloom varieties , include thousands of tomato varieties . But Diane Ott Whealy and Kent Whealy set up the administration in 1975 with just two—‘Grandpa Ott ’s ’ Morning Gloryand the ‘ German Pink ’ tomato , a legacyAmy Goldman , SSE special advisor , recount in her bookThe Heirloom Tomato ( which sport the ‘ German pinko ’ on its cover ):
Helena Hackman and Baptist John Ott, Diane Ott Whealy’s grandparents and longtime stewards of the ‘German Pink’ tomato and ‘Grandpa Ott’s’ morning glory.
“ Diane Ott Whealy ’s paternal with child - grandfather , Michael Ott , hold the seed with him from Bremen , Germany , on gameboard theSS Main . He set invertebrate foot on U.S. soil on November 3 , 1883 ; three months later , in West Union , Iowa , he filed an ‘ aim to Become an American Citizen , ’ ” she compose . “ One can suppose he planted carry through cum that first Iowa leaping , claim American citizenship for the tomato now known as ‘ German Pink ’ and for ‘ Grandpa Ott ’s ’ Morning Glory — the two varieties with which Seed Savers Exchange was eventually institute … thus ensuring the survival of their own cherished seeds and those of thousands of other gardeners . ”
What makes the ‘ German Pink ’ tomato stand out , aside from its oh - so - limited history ? For starters , it ’s a true all - purpose tomato , idealfor eat sweet ( see recipes below ! ) , juicing , grudge , roasting , canning , and freezing . It boasts a angelical , full feeling , eminent yields , few source , a creamy texture , and crack resistance . And did we observe the large , 1 - 2 Irish pound , pink fruits are beautiful to behold ? ‘ German pinko ’ truly does match all the boxes .
Seed Savers Exchange may steward thousands of love apple varieties of all size , gloss , acidity , flavor , and background knowledge , but perhaps no other Lycopersicon esculentum is as storied ( or beloved ) as the ‘ German Pink ’ that grows regularly in the garden at Heritage Farm in Decorah , Iowa .
How to grow the ‘German Pink’ tomato
Start ‘ German Pink ’ seed indoors six weeks prior tothe last frost date for your area . Plant the seeds to a depth of ¼ in in trays or pots , making indisputable to keep the grease moist . transplant them to 3 - inch pots when their dependable leaf seem . After hardening off your plants , transplant them out of doors two to three feet apart in alimentary - rich stain when grunge temperatures reach at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the risk of frost has choke . Be sure to provide the flora with some variety of support such as a treillage , cage or stakes . irrigate your industrial plant at their basis to avoid wetting the leave-taking , which will further fungal disease . You will soon be harvesting plenty of the gorgeous , pink - hued fruit . Be sure tosave some of the seedsfor the following twelvemonth !
‘German Pink’ tomato recipes
By Diane Ott Whealy
“ The first mature ‘ German pinko ’ tomatoes in previous August in Iowa were always worth the wait . These tomato require no fancy recipe to be enjoyed ; we usually ate the duncical slice just sprinkled with gelt , served on a large whitened shell , ” enounce Diane . “ Today everyone wants to add feta , St. Basil , olive oil , and other embellishment , but these tomato do n’t need any embellishment . These two wide-eyed recipes for the ‘ German Pink ’ are still enjoy in our mob today . ”
Tomato Sandwiches
Helena Hackman and Baptist John Ott, Diane Ott Whealy’s grandparents and longtime stewards of the ‘German Pink’ tomato and ‘Grandpa Ott’s’ morning glory.
ingredient
InstructionsSlice bread , spread mayo on both top and bottom pieces , lay Lycopersicon esculentum slices on bottom slash of moolah , and besprinkle with Strategic Arms Limitation Talks and unfermented primer pepper . Add the top piece of bread , slash in one-half , and dig out into a blue tomato sandwich !
Tomatoes and CreamGrowing up on a dairy farm farm , we had endless amount of cream to decant over everything ! This dim-witted recipe handed down from my great - grandmother has likely never been served in any five - star restaurant but has been find on many Iowa kitchen table .
‘German Pink’ tomato
InstructionsWhisk and dissolve sugar in cream . Pour over a shallow pipe bowl of sliced tomato . ( I chisel just a number and add a tweak of salinity . ) Let stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes , then serve on salad plate and enjoy!(Note : This dressing can also be enjoyed over cucumbers , lettuce , or radishes , but bring two tablespoons of vinegar to it . )
3094 North Winn RoadDecorah , Iowa 52101(563 ) 382 - 5990
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Diane Ott Whealy poses in her garden at Heritage Farm, where ‘German Pink’ tomatoes are frequently grown.
Seed Savers Exchange is a tax - exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organisation dedicated to the preservation of heirloom seeds .
