What is the Difference Between Heirloom Tomatoes and Heritage Tomatoes?

The terms heirloom and heritage tomatoes are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different connotations, particularly in how they're commonly used:

Heirloom Tomatoes:

• Definition: Heirloom tomatoes refer to specific varieties that have been passed down through generations, typically for at least 50 years. These varieties are open-pollinated, meaning they are naturally pollinated by insects or the wind, and their seeds can be saved and replanted to produce the same variety.

• Characteristics:

  • Variety: Known for their diverse shapes, sizes, colours, and flavours.

  • Flavour: Often prized for their rich and unique flavours compared to commercial hybrid varieties.

  • Non-Hybrid: Heirloom tomatoes are not hybrids, so they maintain the same characteristics as their parent plants.

  • Examples: ‘Brandywine,’ ‘Cherokee Purple,’ and ‘Green Zebra.’

Heritage Tomatoes:

• Definition: The term "heritage" is often used more broadly to describe tomatoes that are traditional, older varieties with historical significance. It's commonly used in the UK and other parts of the world to describe heirloom tomatoes but can also refer to varieties that are native to specific regions or have cultural importance.

• Characteristics:

  • Similar to heirlooms in terms of open-pollination and traditional growing methods.

  • The term "heritage" may encompass a broader range of traditional varieties beyond tomatoes, reflecting a sense of cultural or historical preservation.

Key Differences:

• Geographical Use: "Heirloom" is more commonly used in the U.S. and Canada, while "heritage" is often used in the UK and Europe to refer to the same types of tomatoes.

• Broader Meaning: "Heritage" can sometimes imply a broader cultural or regional significance, while "heirloom" specifically refers to plant varieties passed down through generations.

In essence, both terms refer to old, open-pollinated, and non-hybrid tomato varieties, but "heirloom" is more specific to generational seed saving, while "heritage" may evoke a broader sense of history or tradition.