The Tangerine Tomato

If you’re like me, then flavor matters as much as the health benefits you receive. And, it helps if it’s also easy to prepare or add to a meal. That’s the tangerine type tomato. I’ve spent this past winter researching and sourcing the seed, often from far away international locations, to offer you the greatest selection of these special cancer fighting and heart-disease preventing superfood, right here in Bloomington, Indiana.

Tangerine Tomatoes:
The Varietal Mix

* Amish Yellowish Orange Oxheart II
* Golden Grape
* Golden Bell
* Golden Light
* Moonbeam
* Moonglow
* Oley

Please be aware that these are all open pollinated varieties. Tomatoes are mostly self-fertile, although some variations may occur from cross pollination. This should not be considered a negative outcome. The variety Golden Bell contains the second highest tetra-cis-lycopene value and is a recent natural cross. Tetra-cis-lycopene can help prevent certain types of cancer, inflammation, heart disease, and is a valuable addition to a healthy and seasonal diet.

A limited number of plant starts, and later a greater variety of fruits will be available this year. And, I’m working to have the only repository of tangerine and other health protecting food seeds in the North America. By February 2025 there will be enough seed to offer for sale beyond one location.

Amish Yellow Orange Oxheart

Tetra-cis-lycopene: 7.61
Growth habit: Indeterminant
Fruit size: medium, bell-shaped
Flesh: medium density
Flavor: Good

This is a recently developed variety may show some variation or genetic instability.

Golden Grape

Tetra-cis-lycopene: 6.01
Growth habit: Indeterminant
Fruit size: Bite-sized
Flesh: Dense
Flavor: Very good

A favorite snacking tomato for kids and adults alike, not too acidic, with a mild light flavor. Be patient for these to ripen to a deep golden color, which is when the flavor really pops.

Golden Light

Tetra-cis-lycopene: 3.44
Growth habit: Indeterminant
Fruit size: Roma type
Flesh: Dense
Flavor: Tasty

A light mild flavor that can easily be cut and eaten without mess. Some who say they don’t like fresh tomatoes may like this variety.

Moonbeam

Tetra-cis-lycopene: 4.2
Growth habit: Indeterminant
Fruit size: Medium small
Flesh: Medium
Flavor: Very tasty

This is a natural cross from ‘Moonglow,’ and contains 30% more lycopene, and a personal favorite.

Moonglow

Tetra-cis-lycopene: 4.88
Growth habit: Indeterminant
Fruit size: Medium, round
Flesh: Firm, dense
Flavor: Excellent

Winner of Seed Saver’s Exchange 2007 Heirloom Tomato Tasting, and considered by many the best gold tasting tomato with the best texture.

Oley

Tetra-cis-lycopene: 4.2
Growth habit: Indeterminant
Fruit size: Medium small
Flesh: Medium
Flavor: Good

This is a natural cross of ‘Wally’s Spanish’ variety, with the fruit about half the size. This is still an experimental variety, with research ongoing at the Heritage Food Crops Research Trust.

Golden Bell

Tetra-cis-lycopene: 7.61
Growth habit: Indeterminant
Fruit size: Medium, bell-shaped
Flesh: Firm
Flavor: Good

A recently developed variety that may have some genetic throwback. This is a natural cross of Beachmans (Coromandle variety) an Oxheart, and a small orange.

Tetra-cis-lycopene is a highly beneficial bioavailable (a.k.a. most easily absorbed) form of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Not all golden orange or tangerine colored tomatoes contain tetra-cis-lycopene, as this color can also be beta-carotene, the same as what colors carrots orange. Hence, it is necessary to chemically analyze each tomato variety in the laboratory to verify whether or not it contains tetra-cis-lycopene or beta-carotene. This is a mission of the Heritage Food Crops Research Trust, located in New Zealand, with additional research conducted at The Ohio State University.