Characterization Descriptors of the Heirloom Tomato "Black Krim"

Infinite Seeds Association

We curate, preserve, and reproduce a collection of 1,700 heirloom tomato varieties for public use. We work to prevent genetic erosion.

History and Origin of the Variety

Historical Origin

Black Krim is an extraordinary heirloom variety native to the Crimean region, a peninsula located on the Black Sea coast, which is part of historic Ukraine. This variety was developed by generations of horticulturists in and around Simferopol during the Soviet era, where home gardeners perfected this black tomato variety over decades of selective breeding.

The variety reached the West in the early 1990s, shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union, when seeds were first introduced to the United States through seed exchanges between collectors. Lars Olov Rosenstrom, a Swedish tomato enthusiast, was one of the first to obtain seeds directly from Crimean growers and document the variety in Western Europe.

Black Krim's commercial introduction began in 1994 when Southern Exposure Seed Exchange listed it in its catalog, quickly becoming one of the most popular black tomato varieties among heirloom growers in North America.

Curiosities of Variety

• Soviet heritage : Perfected during the USSR era in Crimean domestic gardens
• Black Pioneer : One of the first "black" tomato varieties widely available in the West
• Climate adaptation : Developed for the continental climate of Crimea with warm summers and cold winters
• Descriptive name : "Krim" refers to Crimea, its region of origin
• Late popularity : Despite decades of cultivation in the East, it was not known in the West until the 1990s.
• Exceptional color : Its dark purple-brown coloration was practically unknown before its introduction
• Intense Flavor : Considered the gold standard for "smoky" flavor in dark tomatoes
• Climate resistance : Remarkably adapted to variable growing conditions

Cultural Importance

Black Krim represents a living testament to domestic horticulture in the Black Sea region and the importance of international seed exchanges in the post-Soviet era. This variety exemplifies how regional varieties developed over decades can enrich global genetic diversity when shared across cultures. Its introduction to the West not only expanded the color palette available to heirloom tomato growers but also opened the door to interest in other "black" tomato varieties from Eastern Europe. Black Krim has become a gateway for many horticulturists into the world of dark-colored, complex-flavored tomato varieties.

1. PLANT DESCRIPTORS

3. FRUIT DESCRIPTORS

6. AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "BLACK KRIM" VARIETY

Featured Attributes:

• Unique Color : Dark purple-brown coloration with characteristic green shoulders that create a spectacular gradient
• Exceptional flavor : Complex, intense and "smoky" flavor with saline notes and perfect balance between sweetness and acidity
• Authentic heritage : Original Crimean variety preserved since the Soviet era
• Climate adaptability : Excellent heat tolerance and good adaptation to different conditions
• Consistent productivity : Reliable producer with abundant and regular harvests
• Fleshy texture : Dense and fleshy pulp ideal for fresh consumption
• Western Pioneer : One of the first "black" varieties available in the West
• Gastronomic value : Considered a reference for dark-colored tomatoes

Limitations:

• Cracking Sensitivity : Prone to cracking with humidity fluctuations
• Delicate storage : Ripe fruits require careful handling
• Variable appearance : Green shoulders can be confusing as to ripeness
• Limited availability : Less common than other heirloom varieties in shopping centers
• Season Specific : Requires suitable conditions to develop its characteristic color and flavor

Recommended Uses:

• Historic Preservation : Essential to preserve this authentic Crimean relic
• Fresh gourmet consumption : Exceptional for dishes where flavor and color are the protagonists
• Specialized tastings : Perfect for tasting black tomato varieties
• Artistic salads : Ideal for salads where color contrast is essential
• Eastern European Collecting : A must for collectors of post-Soviet varieties
• Mediterranean cuisine : Excellent for dishes that require intense and complex flavors
• Diversity Education : Perfect tool to demonstrate color diversity in tomatoes
• Specialty markets : Ideal for gourmet and unique product markets
• Flavor research : Valuable for studies on aroma compounds in dark tomatoes
• Culinary photography : Perfect for food photography due to its unique color

Data based on Seed Savers Exchange documentation, post-Soviet exchange records, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange information, Crimean grower testimonies, and archives of collectors specializing in Eastern European varieties.