Characterization Descriptors of the Heirloom Tomato "Ananas Noire"
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
This extraordinary variety has a fascinating origin in Belgium, where it appeared naturally as a spontaneous cross between a Pineapple tomato (Ananas) and an unknown black variety. It was discovered growing in a Pineapple tomato crop and subsequently developed and stabilized by Pascal Moreau, a Belgian horticulturist. The variety was first introduced in the 2003 Seed Savers Exchange Yearbook by Belgian seed preservationist Luc Fichot, who received the seeds directly from Pascal Moreau, and was released to the market in 2005.
Curiosities of Variety
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Descriptive Name : "Ananas Noire" means "Black Pineapple" in French, referring to its unique dark coloration
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Fortuitous discovery : It appeared spontaneously as a natural cross in a crop of Pineapple tomatoes
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Renowned developer : Pascal Moreau is known as the "father of Ananas Noire" and creator of other notable varieties such as Violet Noir
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Documented Introduction : First official appearance in the SSE 2003 Yearbook by Luc Fichot of Belgium
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Spectacular Tricolor : Displays a unique combination of olive green, deep red, purple and yellow
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Immediate success : It quickly became one of the most sought-after varieties since its introduction
Cultural Importance
This variety represents modern innovation in heirloom tomato development through natural selection and careful breeding. Its development in Belgium by Pascal Moreau and its rapid global adoption demonstrate how new varieties can emerge and establish themselves as contemporary classics, combining exceptional visual beauty with superior flavor.
1. PLANT DESCRIPTORS
| Feature |
Review for "Ananas Noire" |
| Type of growth |
Indeterminate |
| Growth habit |
Erect |
| Plant height |
Tall (180-200 cm) |
| Plant vigor |
Very strong |
| Color of young stem |
Green |
| Pubescence of the stem |
Present |
| Hair density |
Average |
| Leaf type |
Regular (not potato type) |
| Leaf color |
Green |
| Leaflet shape |
Regular (normal sheet) |
| Leaflet edge |
Jagged |
| Leaf pubescence |
Present |
3. FRUIT DESCRIPTORS
| Feature |
Review for "Ananas Noire" |
| Fruit shape |
Oblato - Ribbed Beefsteak |
| Fruit weight |
Very large (450-900 g) |
| Fruit diameter |
Very large (>10 cm) |
| Color of unripe fruit |
Green with bronze tones |
| Color of ripe fruit |
Tricolor: olive green mottled with red and purple |
| Color intensity |
Very intense |
| Color uniformity |
Distinctive mottled tricolor |
| Presence of green shoulders |
Present (olive green) |
| Shoulder shape |
Depressed olive green mottling |
| Surface smoothness |
Smooth with marked grooves |
| Presence of ribs |
Very marked and wavy |
| Fruit shine |
Mate |
| Chalice scar |
Big |
| Pistil scar |
Starry |
| Number of locules |
6-8 |
| Distribution of locules |
Regular |
| Thickness of the walls |
Very thick (>8 mm) |
| Firmness of the pulp |
Firm but tender |
| Pulp color |
Bright green with intense red and pink veins |
| Amount of juice |
Very juicy |
| Quantity of seeds |
Very few (<30) |
6. AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
| Feature |
Review for "Ananas Noire" |
| Days to flowering |
Medium-late (70-80) |
| Days to harvest |
Late (80-85 days from transplant) |
| Yield per plant |
Very tall (6-8 kg) |
| Number of fruits per plant |
Medium (12-20) |
| Harvest concentration |
Staggered (mid- to late season) |
| Heat tolerance |
Tolerant |
| Cold tolerance |
Moderately tolerant |
| Low light adaptation |
Regular |
| Recommended spacing |
60 cm between plants |
7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES
| Pathogen/Pest |
Review for "Ananas Noire" |
| Alternaria (Alternaria solani) |
Moderately resistant |
| Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum) |
Moderately resistant |
| Verticillium (Verticillium dahliae) |
Moderately resistant |
| Mildew (Phytophthora infestans) |
Susceptible |
| Bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) |
Susceptible |
| Bacterial freckle (Pseudomonas syringae) |
Susceptible |
| Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) |
Susceptible |
| Yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) |
Susceptible |
| Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) |
Susceptible |
| Trips (Thrips tabaci) |
Susceptible |
| Aphids |
Susceptible |
| Cracking |
Resistant |
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE "ANANAS NOIRE" VARIETY
Featured Attributes:
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Spectacular Beauty : Considered a "work of art" with unique tri-color colors that make it a visual centerpiece
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Exceptional flavor : Sweet and smoky flavor with tropical citrus notes, rich, complex and multidimensional
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Extraordinary pulp : Bright green flesh with deep red and pink veins, creamy, tender and very juicy
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Extraordinary productivity : Described as one of the highest yields ever seen by specialized breeders
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Impressive Size : Gigantic 1-2 pound fruits that can occasionally reach 2 pounds
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Superior texture : Very meaty meat that stays firm when cut, ideal for slicing and presentation
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Conservation : The fruits keep well on the plant without deteriorating prematurely.
Limitations:
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Late maturing : Requires up to 85 days to fully mature after transplanting
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Delicate fruits : Ripe fruits are exceptionally soft and should be consumed relatively soon after harvesting.
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Need for support : Requires tutors or very robust cages due to the great weight of the fruits
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Careful handling : The soft texture of ripe fruits requires delicate handling during harvesting.
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Determining ripeness : It can be difficult to determine the exact point of optimal ripeness due to its complex coloration.
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Season-specific : Production concentrated in the second half of the season
Recommended Uses:
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Gourmet Presentation : Perfect for impressing at farmers markets and high-end culinary presentations
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Special salads : Ideal for gourmet salads where the visual impact is as important as the flavor
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Gourmet Sandwiches : Excellent for specialty sandwiches where one slice completely covers the bread
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Culinary photography : Exceptional for food photography due to its spectacular and unique colors
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High-end gastronomy : Highly valued by gourmet chefs for its unique flavor and extraordinary presentation
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Seed conservation : Open-pollinated variety, essential to preserve this contemporary Belgian innovation
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Collectibles : A must for collectors of unique and extraordinary heirloom varieties
Data based on specialist sources for varieties developed by Pascal Moreau, documentation from the Seed Savers Exchange, information from Tatiana's TOMATOBase, and documented experiences from contemporary heirloom tomato growers.
