Heirloom Tomatoes 101: What They Are & How to Use Them

Few things capture the flavor of summer like a perfectly ripe heirloom tomato. With their rainbow hues, quirky shapes, and bold, juicy flavor, heirloom tomatoes have become a staple of cooking with summer seasonal produce. But what exactly makes a tomato “heirloom,” and how do they compare to the regular tomatoes you see year-round?

Whether you’re new to heirloom produce or just looking for new ways to use them, this guide covers what heirloom tomatoes are, how to spot the best ones, and how to make the most of them this season.

What Is An Heirloom Tomato?

Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down through generations—typically over 50 years or more. Unlike hybrid or commercial tomatoes bred for durability, heirlooms are grown for flavor, texture, and appearance, which is why they often look and taste wildly different from the uniform tomatoes at your average grocery store.

Heirloom Tomatoes vs. Regular Tomatoes

The biggest differences come down to:

Flavor: Heirlooms tend to be juicier, sweeter, and more complex.
Appearance: Expect irregular shapes, varying sizes, and marbled or multi-colored skins.
Shelf Life: They’re more delicate and bruise easily, which is why you don’t always find them in conventional stores.
Genetics: Heirlooms are not crossbred or modified—making them a natural favorite among organic farmers.

Are heirloom tomatoes better? If flavor is your top priority, yes. Their shorter shelf life is worth it for the taste alone.

Types of Heirloom Tomato Varieties

There are dozens of heirloom tomato varieties, each with its own personality. Here are a few of the best-known types:

Brandywine: Large, pink, and ultra-juicy—great for slicing.
Cherokee Purple: Deep red-purple with a smoky, sweet flavor.
Green Zebra: Small and tangy, with green-and-yellow striped skin.
Black Krim: Rich, savory, and slightly salty—perfect for caprese or sandwiches.
Yellow Pear: Petite and mild, great in salads or roasted whole.

Where to Buy Heirloom Tomatoes Online

Because heirlooms bruise easily, they often don’t make it into big-box grocery stores. At Misfits Market, we work with farmers to rescue and deliver beautiful, organic heirloom tomatoes straight to your door—even the funny-looking ones that taste the best. → Shop heirloom tomatoes at Misfits Market.

How to Use Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes shine when served raw, grilled, or very lightly cooked. Here are a few favorite ways to let them be the star:

Soups: Tomatoes, including heirloom tomatoes and tomato paste, add a hint of acidity and sweetness to soups. → Try this chilled tomato-watermelon gazpacho
Salads: Layer thick slices with watermelon and herbs. → Try this tomato-watermelon salad
Toast: Mash on sourdough with flaky salt, olive oil, and basil. → Heirloom tomatoes on toast
Sauces: Blend into a no-cook pasta sauce with olive oil and garlic. → Easy no-cook tomato sauce
Salsas: Dice into fresh, chunky salsas with herbs and lime. → Fresh tomato salsa recipe

Best Way to Store Heirloom Tomatoes

Keep ripe heirloom tomatoes on the counter—never in the fridge, which dulls their flavor. If they start to soften, use them quickly in sauces or toast. If they’re very ripe and you need to slow them down, refrigerate only as a last resort, then bring them back to room temp before eating.

Keep reading: Fruits and Vegetables That Don’t Need to Be Refrigerated

How to tell if an heirloom tomato is ripe? It should feel slightly soft, smell fragrant at the stem, and give just a little when pressed.

Are Heirloom Tomatoes Organic?

Not always, but they often are. Heirloom simply refers to the seed lineage. At Misfits Market, many of our heirloom tomatoes are grown organically and rescued directly from farms that value flavor and sustainability over perfection.