Costoluto Genovese Tomato
From Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia
Common Name: Costoluto Genovese Tomato[1]
Scientific Name: Lycopersicon lycopersicum cv
Description: Tender garden vegetable; Flattened, deeply lobed and scalloped, bright rich red fruits; Soft in texture, juicy and slightly tart
Size: Indeterminate vines; space caged plants 24 to 36 inches apart
Cultural Information: Prefers rich, sweet garden loam and full sun
Historical Notes: In Thomas Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia, written in 1781, he lists tomatoes as produce common to Virginia kitchen gardens.[2] Jefferson grew his tomatoes at Monticello in 1809, the first summer of his retirement, when he sowed seeds of “tomatas” from his neighbor George Divers.[3] Two varieties Jefferson planted most often were the “dwarf” and the “Spanish,” which was described as “very much larger than the common kinds.” The Costoluto Genovese tomato is an Italian heirloom tomato variety. Its heavily lobed and often convoluted shape is indicative of early nineteenth century tomato varieties, but makes an oddity in today's vegetable garden. The Costoluto Genovese's stellar flavor is intense and acidic. Because of its odd shape, this tomato is best for sauces and pastes where the skin is removed.
Footnotes
- ↑ This article is based on Peggy Cornett, CHP Information Sheet.
- ↑ Peden ed. Notes, 42-43.
- ↑ Betts, Garden Book, 391.
Further Sources
- Seeds available for purchase at Monticello Museum Shop
- Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants
