Ramallet and Piennolo Tomatoes

Ramallet tomatoes (as they are called in Spain), also known as winter tomatoes and piennolo tomatoes (in Italy), refers to a class of Mediterranean heirloom tomatoes that grow in clusters or tresses.  Fruit tresses are strung up at the end of the season and stored at room temperature for fresh eating, ripe and unripe fruit alike.  Fruits have thicker skins than ordinary tomatoes and ripen progressively.  As they dry off the vine like this, their flavor becomes concentrated.  Fruits are great for fresh eating, drying further to sundried tomatoes, and/or saucing.  If you're into self-sufficiency and eating well in all four seasons, this is the tomato for you.  A great choice for short season climates with long winters.  Read about this traditional Mediterranean method for storing tomatoes here.  

Ramallet tomato varieties are considered culturally significant and by the Slow Food Ark of Taste.  Read a super fascinating history of ramallet tomatoes from the food historians at Slow Foods here!