Heirloom vegetables offer a delightful departure from the standard supermarket fare. These unique, open-pollinated varieties have been passed down through generations, prized for their distinctive flavors, colors, and historical significance. If you’re looking to add some pizzazz to your garden, consider incorporating these 10 interesting heirloom vegetables:
Black Tomato: Black tomatoes, also known as Black Prince tomatoes, are a conversation starter at any farmers market. This beefsteak variety boasts a dark reddish-brown or purple skin and a rich, slightly sweet flavor. Unlike some other dark colored fruits and vegetables, black tomatoes get their unique coloring from anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant, rather than lycopene, the antioxidant responsible for the red color in most tomatoes.
Dragon Carrot: Be prepared to amaze your fellow gardeners with dragon carrots! This heirloom variety features a vibrant purple exterior with a bright orange interior. They offer a slightly sweet and earthy flavor and can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or juiced, adding a touch of whimsy to any dish.
Green Zebra Tomato: Don’t be fooled by their unusual appearance, green zebra tomatoes are a delicious treat! These eye-catching tomatoes have bright green stripes with a lime green interior. They boast a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements salads and sandwiches.
Lemon Cucumber: Looking for a refreshing twist on a classic vegetable? Look no further than the lemon cucumber! This heirloom variety features a small, round or oblong shape with a bright yellow skin that resembles a lemon. Lemon cucumbers have a mild, refreshing flavor and a crisp, juicy texture, making them ideal for salads, crudités, or pickling.
Rattlesnake Bean: Rattlesnake beans get their name from their long, slender pods adorned with distinctive purple and green markings reminiscent of a rattlesnake’s skin. These versatile beans are typically eaten green, offering a delicious nutty flavor perfect for soups, stews, and side dishes. Alternatively, you can allow them to mature and shell them like dried beans.
French Breakfast Radish: Add a pop of color to your breakfast table with French breakfast radishes! These elongated radishes boast a vibrant red exterior and a white interior with a mild, slightly peppery flavor. Typically enjoyed raw in salads or with crudités, French breakfast radishes are a delightful way to add a touch of spice to your morning meal.
Striped Beet: Forget the standard red beet, elevate your garden with striped beets, also known as Chioggia beets. These visually stunning beets have alternating red and white rings when sliced, adding a decorative touch to roasted vegetables or salads. Striped beets share a similar flavor profile to red beets, offering a mild, earthy taste.
Purple Asparagus: Purple asparagus adds a touch of elegance to any dish. Its stalks boast a deep purple color that fades to green when cooked. Purple asparagus offers a slightly sweeter flavor compared to green asparagus and can be enjoyed roasted, grilled, or steamed.
Orange Bell Pepper: Brighten up your stir-fries and salads with vibrant orange bell peppers. These heirloom peppers feature a thick, fleshy wall and a sweet, citrusy flavor that perfectly complements various dishes.
Ugly Duckling Tomato: While the name may not be the most flattering, ugly duckling tomatoes are surprisingly delicious! These heirloom tomatoes come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, orange, and even purple, and are known for their bumpy, irregular shape. Despite their unique appearance, ugly duckling tomatoes offer a rich, sweet flavor that makes them perfect for enjoying fresh or using in sauces and salsas. So, don’t let the name deter you from trying this flavorful and interesting heirloom variety!