Characterization Descriptors for Heirloom Tomato "Black Mammoth"

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 Mammoth is a modern heirloom variety developed in the late 20th century through careful selection from pre-existing black tomato varieties. This variety was created by breeders specializing in large-sized tomatoes in the United States, specifically in the Midwest, where climatic conditions favor the development of large-sized fruits.

The variety arose from a growing interest in combining the unique characteristics of dark-colored tomatoes with the impressive size of giant beefsteak varieties. Breeders worked for several generations to stabilize both the characteristic purple-black color and exceptional size, creating one of the largest black tomato varieties commercially available.

Black Mammoth was first introduced in specialty heirloom seed catalogs in the mid-1990s, quickly gaining popularity among collectors and growers looking to combine the complex flavor of black tomatoes with the visual impact of gigantic fruits. The variety became firmly established in the specialty seed market by the beginning of the 21st century.

Curiosities of Variety

• Planned hybridization : Specifically developed to combine dark color and giant size
• Descriptive name : "Mammoth" refers directly to its exceptional size
• Recent development : One of the few heirloom varieties developed in modern times
• Perfect synthesis : Combines the best characteristics of black and giant tomatoes
• Intensive selection : Required multiple generations to stabilize characteristics
• Immediate popularity : It quickly gained recognition after its commercial introduction
• Weight record : Some specimens have exceeded 3 pounds (1.4 kg)
• Mandatory collector : Considered essential in collections of giant varieties

Cultural Importance

Black Mammoth represents the modern evolution of heirloom seed preservation, where specialized breeders work to create new varieties that combine desirable traits from heirloom varieties. This variety demonstrates that preservation work is not limited solely to maintaining old varieties, but also to developing new options that expand the possibilities for contemporary horticulturists. Its successful development has inspired other directed breeding projects within the heirloom community, demonstrating that innovation and tradition can coexist in the preservation of tomato genetic diversity.

1. PLANT DESCRIPTORS

3. FRUIT DESCRIPTORS

6. AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "BLACK MAMMOTH" VARIETY

Featured Attributes:

• Gigantic size : Fruits that can exceed 1 kg in weight, among the largest black tomatoes in the world
• Spectacular color : Deep purple-black coloration with a gradient toward green-purple shoulders
• Intense and complex flavor : Rich, smoky and slightly salty flavor with perfect balance of sweetness
• Exceptional productivity : High yield per plant despite the giant size of the fruits
• Modern development : A recently created heirloom variety that combines tradition and innovation
• Superior texture : Very fleshy and firm pulp, ideal for slicing
• Improved resistance : Greater resistance to soil-borne fungi than other giant varieties
• Visual impact : Each fruit is a work of natural art due to its size and color.

Limitations:

• Very late season : Requires a very long growing season for full development
• Susceptibility to cracking : Prone to cracking especially with water fluctuations
• Need for extreme support : Requires very robust support structures due to the exceptional weight
• Cold sensitivity : Does not tolerate cool temperatures and should be grown in very warm conditions
• Delicate handling : Giant fruits require extremely careful handling
• Limited availability : Seeds difficult to find in conventional shopping centers
• Wide spacing : Requires a lot of space in the garden due to its extreme vigor

Recommended Uses:

• Collecting Giants : A must for collectors of giant tomato varieties
• Horticultural competitions : Ideal for tomato competitions based on weight and size
• Premium fresh consumption : Exceptional for gourmet burgers and specialty sandwiches
• Food Displays : Perfect for presentations where visual impact is crucial
• Spectacular Salads : A single slice can serve multiple portions
• Luxury artisanal preserves : Excellent for gourmet sauces and preserves due to its intense flavor
• Breeding Education : A Perfect Example of Modern Heirloom Variety Development
• Specialty Markets : Ideal for unique and gourmet product markets
• Food Photography : Perfect for food photography due to its unique size and color
• Genetic research : Valuable for studies on gigantism and pigmentation in tomatoes
• Themed events : Ideal for tomato festivals and specialized horticulture events
• Horticultural Gifts : Perfect seeds to give to enthusiasts of unique varieties

Data based on records from specialized breeders, documentation from specialty seed catalogs, testimonials from growers of giant varieties, and records of horticultural competitions for large-sized tomatoes.