Tomatoes

Tomatoes were first referenced by the Italian botanist Mathiolus in 1544, and have been cultivated ever since. The first tomato introduced was in fact yellow, not red, and over the years, different cultures and regions selected varieties that suited their climate and their cuisine. There are tomatoes for cool and warm climates, some for sauces, others for fresh eating, some bred for drying, while others are hollow so they can be stuffed. Once, there were over 4000 names varieties, now there is only a fraction of these available. Fortunately, with the assistance of Seed Savers Exchange, USA, The Digger’s Club pioneered the reintroduction of heirloom tomatoe seeds in Australia, and we have been sharing these with gardeners ever since.