Rosso Sicilian Tomato

(aka Russo Sicilian Togetta) Introduced to Seed Savers Exchange by Ann Fuller of Indiana. She received the seed from a man who brought it to the U.S. in 1987 from Sicily where his family had grown it many years. Anne said its slices look like red-petaled flowers (rosso means “red”). Striking crayfish red costoluta (ribbed) fruits weigh up to 6 ounces. Firm pithy flesh is perfect for making tomato sauce or paste. Thin skin bruises easily.

• Packet 25 Seeds
• 70-90 days from transplant
• Organic
• Determinate - Fruit ripens over a 2 week period
• Bright red ribbed fruits weigh up to 6 ounces
• Firm flesh is perfect for making tomato sauce or paste
• Thin skin bruises easily

This variety works for:

• Fresh eating
• Sauce
• Paste

Store your tomatoes at room temperature. The flavor and texture of tomatoes suffer when the fruit is chilled.

Heirloom tomatoes are bred for their flavor and simple preparation best allows that intense flavor to shine through. Tomatoes can be sliced and drizzled with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper or layer slices with basil and mozzarella for a Caprese salad.

Roasted tomatoes have a richer, concentrated flavor.

There are hundreds of salsa recipes to try and most are dramatically improved with the use of heirloom tomatoes. Tomatoes are also the main ingredient in Gazpacho, a cold soup that is perfect for summer.

Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Tomatoes are sensitive to freezing temperatures, so wait to transplant outdoors until the soil is warm. Plant in full sun.

• Start Indoors: 6 weeks before last frost
• Germination: 7-14 Days
• Plant Outdoors: 24-36” Apart
• Support: Cage, stake, or trellis