Top 3 Apulian Tomatoes

Pomodoro fiaschetto di Torre Guaceto is a traditional cherry or plum tomato variety originating from Carovigno. The fiaschetto tomatoes are small in size, sweet, juicy, and great for preserving. They're often used to prepare passata (tomato sauce) that was saved for the winter. However, these small tomatoes came close to disappearing because the costs of cultivation and harvesting were too high, while yields were too low, unlike modern tomato hybrids that were developed specifically for the making of passata. The harvest of these tomatoes begins in June and lasts throughout the summer.Expand

Regina di Torre Canne Tomato is a local variety of long-storage tomato grown in the salty soils of the Coastal Dunes Park, between Fasano and Ostuni in Puglia, Italy. Its name, "Regina" (meaning "Queen"), comes from the distinctive shape of its peduncle, which grows into a small crown-like form. The fruits are small, round, and deep red, with a thick skin that results from irrigation with brackish water. This characteristic enhances the tomato’s resistance to pests and improves its preservation. Harvested in July, some of these tomatoes are consumed fresh, while others are preserved in clusters called "ramasole," tied with cotton thread, allowing them to be stored and eaten until April of the following year. This preservation method is closely tied to local cotton cultivation, as the threads used for tying the tomatoes come from the same area. The Regina di Torre Canne Tomato is recognized as a Slow Food Presidium, protecting its biodiversity and traditional agricultural techniques.Expand

Prunill tomato is a traditional variety with a deep red hue cultivated in Apulia that derives its name from its plum-like shape ("prugna" in Italian). This tomato is renowned for its sweet flavor and a local agriculture staple. Typically harvested in August, prunill tomatoes are preserved by hanging them in clusters, bound together with wire to form traditional collane or corone (necklaces or crowns). This method allows the tomatoes to be stored for extended periods, ensuring a supply during off-seasons. The prunill tomato plant exhibits determinate growth with a semi-erect posture and vibrant green, slightly blistered leaves. It produces clusters of 4-5 fruits across multiple levels, with a staggered ripening process. The fruits are elongated with a small protrusion at the tip when ripe. Their firm skin and flesh, combined with an intense flavor, make them ideal for fresh consumption and for producing tomato purée.Expand