If you're a regular reader of this blog you may remember that last year I grew some 'OSU Blue' tomatoes in my container garden. This year I'm growing 'Indigo Rose' tomatoes. 'Indigo Rose' is another blue tomato by the same plant tomato breeders at OSU. You should read the post on 'OSU Blue' if you want to know the history of the tomato and what causes this unique blue color in the tomato fruits.
'Indigo Rose' can be considered the "sequel" to 'OSU Blue' and is the variety released by OSU researchers to commercial growers who are selling them at farmers markets. And to seed companies who sold them to regular gardeners like myself. Like with 'OSU Blue' the fruits of 'Indigo Rose' tomatoes start off green and exposure to sun turns the fruit this beautiful bluish purple color you see. The parts that do not receive enough sun to activate the pigmentation turn reddish orange just as I documented with 'OSU Blue.'
One notable difference between 'OSU Blue' and 'Indigo Rose' is the coloration in the leaves, stems, and the flower petals. The same compound that create the blue tint in the fruit darkens the leaves and stems of this tomato plant. The blooms are particularly beautiful and open to this nice, rich yellow color that looks like butter.
Provided your tomato receives enough sunlight all the way around it will continue to darken and ripen to an almost black color as shown in the video below.
'Indigo Rose' Tomato in my Garden
See how dark--almost black--the tomato is? You can even see my reflection in the fruit itself. The inside of the tomato is reddish color when ripe.
'OSU Blue' Tomato in my Garden
Here's the video for 'OSU Blue' so you can compare the blue coloring between these two tomatoes if you didn't click the link to read the previous post.
I haven't tasted 'Indigo Rose' tomatoes yet because I'm waiting for them to ripen and hopefully collect seeds from them. However, if the flavor is anything like 'OSU Blue,' I don't think the tomato is going to taste that special, but it also will not taste horrible. I think a lot of the talk about the taste of these blue tomatoes may be psychological because of the color. We expect something different, because they look different, so our brains tell is there's something different about them. Rather than our taste buds, but I'll have to confirm my suspicions once I actually taste this tomato.
If you happen to knock off or break a tomato before it completely turns a dark blue or purple color, let the green side sit in the sun for a day or two and the color will change. High Mowing Organic Seeds gave me the seeds for this tomato to grow last year, so if you're looking to buy seeds from 'Indigo Rose' check with them.
Did you catch 'Indigo Rose' fever and grow it in your garden? What did you think of the colors and taste?
Wow, what a magnificent looking tomato; looks like a cross between a plum, an eggplant and a tomato. The colour is very beautiful and special. When you say that you don't think the tomato is going to taste that special, do you mean, bland? If so, that's nothing a bit of salt can't fix. Was there a bitter taste with the 'OSU Blue'?
ReplyDeleteYes dying to know how it tastes....I can imagine its use in the culiarty fied...thats for the pics and video..
ReplyDeleteI have never seen a blue tomato, might influence the tase. I grew Big Daddy this year from Burpee and Golden Jubilee, an heirloom. I really like Golden Julilee which is low acid, not impressed with Big Daddy, supposedly an improvement on Big Boy.
ReplyDeleteEileen
These are amazing to look at...can't wait to eat one one day!!! Thanks for the great videos too!!!
ReplyDeleteSo unusual. I hope it taste as good as it looks.
ReplyDeleteTempting because they're so beautiful - plants, foliage, and blooms. When it comes to tomatoes though, it's all about the taste. I grow some ugly tomatoes just because they taste so good. Looking forward to finding out what you think after you eat some of those pretty purple tomatoes.
ReplyDeleteThose are amazing - they'd make a really good-looking salad with the red and yellow ones.
ReplyDeleteDon't have room for anything that doesn't taste special. For me, it would have to beat Blush and Amish Rose.
ReplyDeleteI grew this tomato this summer. I am glad to read your post. My last post about them is on Hub Pages. Go here: http://patsybell.hubpages.com/hub/Indigo-Rose-Tomato.
ReplyDeleteTo me, they lack the intense tomato flavor of home grown tomatoes. Indigo Rose was a little bit of a let down. It is wonderful to compare notes on this new tomato. Great information.
I sure like the foliage having color too, but if the taste is so-so then the point is kinds moot.
ReplyDeleteI took a chance on Indigo Rose this year, and have been enjoying dozens from the same plant. It took forever for them to ripen, but even thought the taste isn't spectacular, I think they are worth it. They are juicy and almost a cross between tomato and plum flavor. I look forward to saving the seeds and having them next year.
ReplyDeleteI grew them too + they r very tasty.
DeleteDo u know what causes them to tiurn blue when ripe?
The blue color of this tomato comes from the genes of the plants crossed to develop it. See the link to the OSU Blue tomato post where I think I explained all of that.
DeleteWhat a lovely color! Wondering how the tomato would taste.
ReplyDelete