Characterization Descriptors of the Heirloom "Blush" Tomato

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

Blush is an extraordinary contemporary variety that represents the perfect fusion of heirloom tradition and modern scientific innovation. This remarkable variety was developed in the first decade of the 21st century at Baia Nicchia Farm (later renamed Green Bee Farm) in Sunol, California, by Dr. Fred Hempel, one of the most respected and visionary tomato breeders of the modern era.

Blush's fascinating story began completely unexpectedly in 2006, when Alex Hempel, then 8 years old and son of Dr. Fred Hempel, became captivated by his father's breeding work and decided to try it himself. With the natural curiosity of a child and guided only by his sense of taste, Alex approached the task of creating tomato crosses in the purest way possible: by simply selecting the fruits that tasted the sweetest.

Young Alex established three crosses of his favorite tomatoes, while his father, Dr. Hempel, provided the technical expertise and performed the hand-pollination work. This serendipitous family project resulted in the creation of Blush, a variety that would not only become one of the most successful in the Artisan Seeds line but also define Fred Hempel's breeding philosophy: "flavor first."

Dr. Fred Hempel left a successful career as a senior scientist in the biotechnology industry in 2006 to fully pursue his passion for tomato breeding. With a PhD in Plant Molecular Biology from the University of California-Berkeley and years of experience in genetics, Hempel applied classical breeding methods to develop varieties that combined the best characteristics of traditional heirloom varieties with the productivity and hardiness of modern varieties.

Baia Nicchia Farm was established in the innovative Sunol AgPark, a visionary project where small farmers shared infrastructure and resources on land leased by the City of San Francisco. In this unique setting, located within sight of the historic 1910 Water Temple, Hempel developed more than 20 new tomato varieties, all under the "Artisan Seeds" brand.

Curiosities of Variety

Created by a child: Developed by 8-year-old Alex Hempel, guided only by his sense of taste

Flavor-first philosophy: Established the guiding principle that flavor should be the priority in breeding

Hybrid heirloom: Combines modern techniques with traditional varieties to create "contemporary heirlooms"

Scientist turned farmer: Created by a doctor in molecular biology who left biotechnology for agriculture

Visionary Farm: Developed at the innovative Sunol AgPark, a model of sustainable urban agriculture

Commercial success: It became one of the most successful varieties in the Artisan Seeds line.

Chef Approval: Adopted by San Francisco Bay Area fine dining chefs

Crack resistance: Remarkable crack resistance and excellent shelf life

Complex flavor: Described as sweet, fruity with tropical notes of mandarin

Enduring legacy: Dr. Hempel passed away in 2023, but his legacy continues through Bene Seeds.

Cultural Importance

Blush transcends its horticultural value to become a symbol of how scientific innovation can honor and enhance ancient agricultural traditions without compromising genetic integrity. This variety represents a new paradigm in tomato breeding: the concept of "contemporary heirlooms" that combine traditional wisdom with modern scientific precision.

The story of its creation by an 8-year-old boy perfectly illustrates the importance of maintaining simplicity and pure passion in plant breeding. Alex Hempel, unconstrained by scientific conventions, focused on the most fundamental characteristic: flavor. This anecdote has become an inspiration to breeders around the world, reminding us that sometimes the best innovations arise from the simplest curiosity.

Dr. Fred Hempel became a legendary figure in the global tomato community, not only for his scientific achievements but also for his holistic approach that considered flavor, sustainability, resilience, and visual beauty equally important. His work at Sunol demonstrated that it is possible to create commercially viable varieties without sacrificing the organoleptic qualities that make heirloom tomatoes special.

Blush has significantly influenced the revival of interest in premium cherry tomato varieties in specialty markets and high-end restaurants. Its commercial success demonstrated the demand for varieties that prioritize flavor over industrial uniformity, inspiring other breeders to adopt similar philosophies.

The variety has become an ambassador for the concept of sustainable scientific agriculture, demonstrating that innovation and tradition can coexist harmoniously. Dr. Hempel's work at Sunol AgPark served as a model for other urban agriculture projects that seek to combine research, production, and education in limited spaces.

Blush’s legacy continues through Bene Seeds (formerly Artisan Seeds), which keeps Dr. Hempel’s innovative spirit alive while honoring his memory and continuing to develop varieties that reflect his values ​​of exceptional flavor, sustainability, and beauty.

1. PLANT DESCRIPTORS

3. FRUIT DESCRIPTORS

6. AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "BLUSH" VARIETY

Featured Attributes:

• Exceptional complex flavor: Perfect sweet-acid balance with tropical notes of mandarin and intense aroma

• Unique family history: Created by an 8-year-old boy guided only by taste, establishing a new philosophy

• Modern scientific breeding: Developed by a doctor in molecular biology using classical breeding methods

• Exceptional crack resistance: Remarkable resistance to cracking and excellent post-harvest shelf life

• Unique visual beauty: Iridescent golden color with red-pink veining that intensifies with maturity

• Extraordinary productivity: Very productive plants with abundant bunches of uniform fruits

• Excellent plant architecture: Dense foliage with excellent bunches, ideal for trellis systems

• Culinary versatility: Perfect both fresh and cooked, ideal for snacking and gourmet presentations

• Innovation in improvement: Represents the concept of "contemporary heirloom" by merging tradition and innovation

• Scientific legacy: Part of the estate of the legendary Dr. Fred Hempel, pioneer in sustainable breeding

Limitations:

• Small size: Small fruits may not satisfy preferences for larger tomatoes

• Susceptibility to some pests: Vulnerable to thrips and aphids, requires monitoring

• Tutoring needs: Requires adequate support due to its vigorous indeterminate growth

• Mildew sensitivity: Moderately susceptible under high humidity conditions

• Season Specific: Best performance in warm summer conditions

• Limited availability: Seeds available mainly through specialized distributors

• Intensive management: Requires regular pruning and management to optimize production

• Higher cost: Seeds are more expensive than standard commercial varieties

Recommended Uses:

• Gourmet snacking: Ideal for direct consumption due to its perfectly balanced sweet-sour flavor

• Premium salads: Excellent in salads where its color and flavor provide visual and gustatory distinction

• High-end catering: Prized by chefs for its complex flavor and unique visual presentation

• Specialty markets: Perfect for farmers markets and direct sales to discerning consumers

• Artisanal preserves: Ideal for gourmet preserves due to its concentrated flavor and firm texture

• Breeding education: Perfect example for teaching about innovation in plant breeding

• Modern Collectibles: Essential for exceptional contemporary collections

• Sustainable agriculture: Model for agricultural systems that prioritize quality over quantity

• Agricultural tourism: Attractive for agrotourism experiences and education on modern breeding

• Flavor research: Reference for studies on the development of complex flavors in tomatoes

• Container production: Excellent for growing in pots in limited urban spaces

• Baby food: Its sweet taste and small size make it ideal for children

• Cocktails and mixology: Its unique flavor allows for innovative uses in craft beverages

• Modern Heritage Preservation: Important to preserve the legacy of Dr. Fred Hempel and the Artisan philosophy

Data based on Artisan Seeds/Bene Seeds documentation, testimonials from Dr. Fred Hempel, Baia Nicchia Farm/Green Bee Farm records, Sunol AgPark information, contemporary tomato breeding studies, and references to the "flavor first" breeding philosophy developed in California.