Kellogg's Breakfast Heirloom Tomato Characterization Descriptors

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

Kellogg's Breakfast is an extraordinary American heirloom variety that represents one of the most beloved and recognized orange beefsteak tomatoes in the world. This historic variety has its origins in the mountains of West Virginia, where it was traditionally cultivated by farming families who preserved it for generations as part of the Appalachian horticultural heritage.

The fascinating modern history of the Kellogg's Breakfast tomato began when Darrell Kellogg, a railroad supervisor from Redford, Michigan, received seeds of this variety from a friend in West Virginia in the mid-20th century. Kellogg, in addition to his work on the railroad, was an avid amateur gardener and dedicated seed conservationist who was deeply impressed by the tomato's exceptional qualities.

For several years, Darrell Kellogg meticulously cultivated this variety, selecting and saving seeds from the best specimens until he managed to stabilize the characteristics he valued most: its exceptional size, intense orange color, fleshy texture, and, above all, its incomparable flavor, combining sweetness with just the right amount of acidity to create the perfect balance. His dedication was such that he decided to honor the variety by naming it after himself.

The leap to national fame came when Darrell Kellogg shared his prized seeds with Bill Minkey of Darien, Wisconsin, who immediately recognized the variety's exceptional potential. In 1993, Minkey officially introduced the seeds to the Seed Savers Exchange, the prestigious nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving heirloom varieties, marking the beginning of national distribution of this horticultural gem.

The variety gained further recognition when Bill Minkey shared seeds with Dr. Carolyn Male, a renowned authority on heirloom tomatoes and author of the influential book "101 Heirloom Tomatoes." Dr. Male's endorsement catapulted the Kellogg's Breakfast to stardom among tomato connoisseurs, and Sunset Magazine subsequently named it one of the best heirloom tomatoes available.

Curiosities of Variety

Railroad name: Named for Darrell Kellogg, Michigan railroad supervisor and seed conservationist

No relation to cereal: Has no connection to the Kellogg family of the famous breakfast cereal empire

Orange juice color: Its pulp and juice have exactly the same color as freshly squeezed orange juice.

Gigantic size: The fruits can reach between 450g and 900g, with some specimens exceeding one kilogram.

Few friends, many seeds: Saved from extinction by the generosity of passionate gardening friends

Perfectly balanced flavor: Famous for achieving the ideal balance between sweetness and acidity

National Recognition: Voted by Sunset Magazine as one of the best heirloom tomatoes

Appalachian Heritage: Originating from the rich horticultural tradition of the mountains of West Virginia

Exceptional productivity: More productive than most heirloom varieties of similar size

Natural resistance: Remarkable resistance to cracking and sunburn

Cultural Importance

Kellogg's Breakfast transcends its horticultural value to become a symbol of the importance of seed saving by passionate gardeners and collaboration among breeding enthusiasts. This variety represents the perfect demonstration of how dedicated individuals can preserve and share invaluable genetic heritage that would otherwise be lost forever.

Their story beautifully illustrates the informal but vital seed-sharing network that has kept horticultural diversity alive in North America. The chain from the mountains of West Virginia to Darrell Kellogg in Michigan, then to Bill Minkey in Wisconsin, and finally to Seed Savers Exchange, demonstrates how a shared passion for exceptional tomatoes can preserve genetic treasures for future generations.

The variety has significantly influenced the revival of interest in heirloom tomatoes in the United States, inspiring countless gardeners to seek out varieties with authentic flavor over commercial varieties bred for shipping resistance. Its success has demonstrated that consumers are willing to value and pay for superior organoleptic quality.

The Kellogg's Breakfast tomato has become an ambassador for genetic diversity in tomatoes, frequently appearing at seed fairs, farmers' markets, and food festivals, where its distinctive color and exceptional flavor continue to win over new fans. Its popularity has helped maintain interest in heirloom varieties and educated the public about the importance of seed saving.

1. PLANT DESCRIPTORS

3. FRUIT DESCRIPTORS

6. AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

7. RESISTANCES AND TOLERANCES

SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE "KELLOGG'S BREAKFAST" VARIETY

Featured Attributes:

• Exceptional balanced flavor: Perfect balance between sweetness and acidity with an intense "real tomato" flavor

• Unique orange color: Pulp and juice the exact same color as freshly squeezed orange juice

• Gigantic size: Fruits that regularly exceed 450g, with specimens weighing more than a kilogram

• Superior productivity: More productive than most heirloom varieties of comparable size

• Ideal meaty texture: Firm meat with few seeds, perfect for thick cuts

• Crack resistance: Remarkable resistance to cracking and sunburn

• Conservation History: Perfect example of genetic heritage preservation by passionate gardeners

• National Recognition: Endorsed by experts and named one of the best by Sunset Magazine

• Culinary versatility: Excellent both fresh and processed for sauces and preserves

• Appalachian Heritage: Representative of West Virginia's rich horticultural tradition

Limitations:

• Very vigorous growth: It requires robust supports and ample spaces for its great development.

• Disease Susceptibility: Vulnerable to most common tomato pathogens

• Staking needs: Requires solid structures capable of supporting 3-meter plants and heavy fruits

• Long season: Requires a growing season long enough to complete maturation

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

• Sensitivity to cold: Does not tolerate temperatures below 10°C

• Wide spacing: It needs generous planting frames due to its great vegetative development.

• Fruit fragility: Large fruits may be susceptible to damage from handling

Recommended Uses:

• Gourmet sandwiches: Ideal for sandwiches where a single slice completely covers the bread

• Summer salads: Perfect protagonist where its orange color provides a unique visual impact

• Fresh tasting: Excellent consumed fresh with olive oil and salt to appreciate its full flavor

• Artisanal sauces: Exceptional base for superior quality tomato sauces

• Premium preserves: Ideal for high-quality homemade preserves due to its concentrated flavor

• Heirloom Collecting: Essential for collections of historic American varieties

• Conservation education: Perfect example to teach about the importance of saving seeds

• Farmers Markets: Visual appeal and exceptional flavor for direct sales

• Specialized catering: Valued by chefs seeking unique and quality ingredients

• Tomato competitions: Winning variety for size, color and flavor in competitions

• Rural tourism: Attractive for agro-gastronomic experiences on historic farms

• Flavor research: Reference for studies on acid-sweet balance in tomatoes

• Heritage Conservation: Essential to preserving Appalachian horticultural heritage

• Seed exchange: A highly valued variety in exchange networks between gardeners

Data based on Seed Savers Exchange documentation, testimonials from Darrell Kellogg and Bill Minkey, information from Dr. Carolyn Male, records from Sunset Magazine, studies of West Virginia heirloom varieties, and references on conservation of the genetic heritage of American tomatoes.