Cherokee Purple tomatoes have a deep reddish-purple hue that looks like something out of a sunset. They were first shared with seed savers in the 1990s by a man in Tennessee who got the seeds from a Cherokee tribe. These tomatoes are known for their rich, smoky-sweet flavor that’s unlike most store-bought varieties.

When sliced, Cherokee Purples often reveal a dark, almost chocolatey flesh that makes them perfect for food photography. Despite their name, Cherokee Purple tomatoes aren’t always completely purple—they can have green shoulders or marbled skins. They tend to be large and irregular in shape, which makes each fruit look like a work of art in pictures.

Gardeners love them not just for taste but also because Pictures of Cherokee Purple Tomatoes are stunning in garden blogs. This heirloom variety is open-pollinated, so you can save seeds from year to year with consistent results. Cherokee Purple tomatoes typically take 80–90 days to mature from transplant, making them a mid-to-late season crop.

Many chefs prefer them raw in salads and sandwiches because their texture is so buttery. They’re great in caprese salads—add a slice of mozzarella and basil, and the color contrast is striking. Pictures of Cherokee Purple Tomatoes often go viral on social media due to their unusual appearance.

In taste tests, Cherokee Purple often beats popular hybrids thanks to its full-bodied, almost wine-like taste. The skin can be a bit delicate, so they don’t ship well—this is why you rarely see them in supermarkets. They thrive in warm climates and prefer full sun with well-drained, fertile soil.

Some people think the color is a sign of spoilage, but it’s actually what makes them so special. When grown in containers, they need strong cages or stakes because the vines get quite tall. Cherokee Purples are indeterminate, meaning they keep producing fruit throughout the growing season.

You can find Pictures of Cherokee Purple Tomatoes in seed catalogs and online marketplaces worldwide. The name “Cherokee Purple” honors the Native American tribe thought to have first cultivated this tomato. They’re a favorite at farmers markets because people are drawn to their bold look and taste.

Some gardeners report that these tomatoes get even tastier toward the end of the season. You can freeze or can them, but their flavor is best enjoyed fresh. Their high anthocyanin content gives them antioxidant properties.

Pictures of Cherokee Purple Tomatoes often show them with cracks or splits, which is completely normal. These cracks usually happen after heavy rain but don’t affect the flavor. The vines can grow over 6 feet tall if you let them climb.

They pair beautifully with balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs. You can start them indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date to get a head start. Bees love their yellow blossoms, which helps with pollination.

They don’t need fancy fertilizers—just compost and a bit of patience. Their unusual coloring helps them stand out in any garden. If you’re trying heirloom varieties for the first time, this one’s a solid pick.

Pictures of Cherokee Purple Tomatoes are often used in art and illustration due to their dramatic look. They look fantastic on rustic cutting boards, especially in farm-to-table restaurant settings. Some cooks use them to make purple tomato jam for a twist on classic preserves.

Even kids enjoy growing them because the fruit looks like it came from another planet. They work well in tomato tarts and flatbreads where their bold color shines through. They contain lycopene, a compound studied for its potential health benefits.

These tomatoes often weigh more than half a pound each. Slicing into one is like cutting into a velvet pillow of flavor. Pictures of Cherokee Purple Tomatoes can even inspire home decor palettes—rich, earthy, and natural.

Many tomato contests include Cherokee Purple in the “best flavor” category. You can store them at room temperature, but refrigerate only if absolutely necessary. Their flavor can vary slightly depending on soil and climate, making each batch unique.

If you let the tomatoes ripen on the vine, they reach peak sweetness. Some heirloom gardeners believe Cherokee Purple is the closest you can get to “the original tomato flavor.” Pictures of Cherokee Purple Tomatoes help promote biodiversity in home gardening.

They can be vulnerable to blight, so good airflow and crop rotation help keep plants healthy. You can grow them in raised beds, pots, or even in straw bales with good results. Some people mash them into guacamole for an extra flavor punch.

Unlike hybrids, their seeds produce the same kind of tomato next season. They’re popular among seed exchange communities for their reliable quality. Pictures of Cherokee Purple Tomatoes often appear in farm journals and local gardening newsletters.

They make excellent gifts for foodie friends and gardening enthusiasts. This variety has gained a cult following among backyard growers. One plant can yield up to 20–30 tomatoes in a season with good care.

They grow best when watered deeply and consistently—no shallow sprinkles. Some gardeners plant basil nearby because it’s said to improve tomato growth. Eating them fresh with just a sprinkle of sea salt is a perfect summer treat.