A look at Tasmanian Chocolate Tomato - 2024

I started growing Tasmanian Chocolate Dwarf Tomato last year (2023). This variety is associated with the Open Source Seed Initiative (OSSI) and was one of the first introductions made from the "Dwarf Tomato Project." If you're interested in nerdy tomato things, some day when you have a couple minutes do an internet search for "Dwarf Tomato Project" and you'll be amazed by what you learn.

'Tasmanian Chocolate' originated from a cross between 'New Big Dwarf' (an historic large fruited pink dwarf plant) and the indeterminate full size heirloom 'Paul Robeson' tomato, which is one of our favorites, of course.

The Tasmanian Chocolate tomato plant is perfect for a large pot or garden. The plant features rugose foliage, stout central stems and typically grows to 3 to 4 feet in height; ALTHOUGH, in our high tunnel we have had more than one Tasmanian Chocolate plant exceed 6 feet in height. They are prolific producers, as shown above. The fruits are oblate and range from 5 to 12+ ounces with fruits ripening to a deep mahogany color.

The flavor is full, balanced and delicious. I use them on sandwiches as well as in making salsas and sauces. My favorite way to eat this tomato is by making an open face tomato sandwich on homemade sourdough bread that has been toasted. I take a thick slice then top with sharp cheese and place under the broiler just until the cheese gets melty. The exquisite taste of summer.

While I thought that I would save & sell seeds for this and other favorite tomato varieties for next year's growing season, I have since reconsidered. I will DEFINITELY still save the seed. But I want to spend at least a couple years refining the selection process in hopes of producing the best seeds that have the best chance of success for growing in our local, East Mountains conditions. At this time I do expect to offer a LIMITED number of plant starts for Tas (and several other varieties) next year (2025).  In the meantime, if you want to buy seeds for Tasmanian Chocolate to start your own from seed, I recommend you look up J&L Gardens (they are located Espanola, NM). They are my original seed source for Tasmanian Chocolate and several other tomato & pepper varieties.