Why Heirloom?
In my January post I mentioned we are focusing on growing heirloom varities of veggies this year. But what is an heirloom and why should we grow them?
Most large commercial farms grow varieties that have been crossed with other varieties to produce larger vegetables or those that are more resistent to drought or specific diseases or pests. This allows them to not only increase their crop yield but also store their crops for longer periods of time without spoilage. This, along with picking them before they are completely ripe (as in the case of tomatoes), lets their product be shipped farther distances and sit in broker storage warehouses longer before making it to grocery store shelves. They may still look pretty, but they often lack in true flavor.
Heirloom varieties are the classics. They are fruits and vegetables that were originally grown years ago and have not been hybridized with other varieties. They are continued by open pollination rather than through grafts, cuttings or scientific intervention. They are so tasty and many of them are far more interesting to look at. There is a wide variety to choose from in each type of vegetable and we are growing many of them this year.
Green Zebra Tomatoes – an heirloom tomato
The other reason we are growing heirloom varieties is to help preserve some of those types that are rapidly disappearing. Many traditional varieties have already become extinct and many more are dwindling. To help combat this, we have become members of Seed Savers Exchange. As members, we can grow heirlooms, save the seeds, and exchange them with other heirloom growers to continue to strengthen the gene pool of these wonderful fruits and vegetables. And, typically, heirlooms have adapted over time to whatever climate and soil they have grown in. Due to their genetics, they are often resistant to local pests, diseases, and extremes of weather without the use of any pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers (which we love!).
So what heirlooms are we growing? Here’s a partial list:
Tomatoes: Amish Paste, Green Zebra, Yellow Stuffer, Speckled Roman, Soldacki, Brandywine, Beams Yellow Pear
Peppers: Aurora, Quadrato Asti Giallo, Orange Bell
Radishes: Early Scarlet, Plum Purple, Philadelphia White
Beans: Dragon’s Tongue, Lazy Housewife, Empress, Pencil Pod Golden Wax
Peas: Green Arrow, Amish Snap
Lettuce: Grandpa Admires, Slobolt
There’s so much more, but you get the idea. We’ll be growing heirloom melons, corn and more. We anticipate these varieties to be both flavorful and beautiful!
Until next time!
Karin