Nonna’s Love

‘Nonna’s Love’ is a purple anthocyanin ox-heart tomato created by World Tomato Society’s very own Andrea Clapp (Iowa, USA). It is the result of a cross she made in early 2018 between ‘Sgt. Pepper’s’ and ‘Moonlight Mile’ and is currently in its F9 generation.* This tomato embodies the warmth and wisdom handed down through the years in her family. In a touching tribute to her late grandmother, who served as her green-thumbed muse and mentor, Andrea named this extraordinary tomato after her. Her grandmother’s teachings on “listening” to nature and drawing inspiration from it are beautifully reflected in this tomato’s character.
This unique tomato variety, with its deep purple hue and artistic expression of anthocyanin striping, is a gardener’s treasure waiting to be cultivated with care. Aptly named in honor of Andrea’s grandmother, known for her enormous heart, this variety boasts an extra-large heart shape. Ample, extra-large fruits with anthocyanin expression weighing 10-16 oz./280-460g size (and the occasional rare giant reaching 20 oz./470g) are gathered in clusters of 3-5 tomatoes per truss.
Indeterminate, early maturing plants, with slightly variegated, wispy leaves, may occasionally display anthocyanin thanks to the genetic influence of ‘Sgt. Pepper’s’. This purple anthocyanin ox-heart tomato is a symbol of resilience, thriving in the face of challenging conditions, making it perfect for dry farming practices. ‘Nonna’s Love’ isn’t discouraged by extreme heat and can endure infrequent watering when adequately mulched.
The taste of ‘Nonna’s Love’ is a symphony of saltiness, smokiness, and umami, creating a divine and complex flavor. The flesh is dense and meaty, with a small number of seeds, mainly nestled high in the shoulders. They work wonders in sauces adding rich, savory depth to dishes, and will punch up the flavor of a freshly made summer sandwich or salad. Whether you’re roasting, stewing, or simply enjoying them fresh, this tomato brings all of Mother Nature’s flavors to your kitchen, elevating your culinary creations to the next level.

*Some of Andrea’s other varieties include: High Society, Attilio’s Pride, Cameo Sunset, and Cherry Berry Micro, which was featured in Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company’s Whole Seed Catalog (2022).

*’F9’ in the context of plant breeding means the variety has undergone nine generations of controlled selection, making it more genetically stable and consistent in its desired traits. Each time a new generation is produced, breeders carefully select plants with the desired traits and characteristics, further refining the variety. Read more about tomato breading in Andrea’s article series: Breeding Practices Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

Do you have a favorite purple anthocyanin ox-heart tomato? Tell us about it in the comments. We would love to hear from you!