Copper Currant
10-15 tomato seeds
£4.95
Out of stock
Copper Currant Tomato (10-15 seeds)
The 'Copper Currant' tomato is a fascinating variety that blurs the lines between a true "currant" tomato (a distinct wild species, Solanum pimpinellifolium) and a very small cherry tomato. It's highly prized for its unique colour and excellent flavour.
Key Characteristics:
Origin/Breeder: It's a relatively new variety bred by Lee Goodwin of J&L Gardens in New Mexico, USA. It's the result of crosses between his 'Ambrosia' line (known for flavour) and Solanum hirsutum (a wild tomato species). This wild parentage likely contributes to its hardiness and unique traits.
Type: While often called a "currant," it's more accurately described as a cherry tomato that is larger than a true currant (which are typically pea-sized).It's a cross that leans into the characteristics of both.
Appearance: This is a standout feature. The fruits are small, round, and ripen to a beautiful dark copper-red or brownish-red colour, sometimes with hints of orange.The flesh inside is typically red, and the seeds are often surrounded by a green gel.
Size: Fruits are small, usually around 1.5 cm to 3 cm in diameter. This makes them larger than traditional currant tomatoes but still very much bite-sized.
Flavour: This is where 'Copper Currant' truly shines. It's exceptionally sweet and fruity, with a very high Brix (sugar) level. Some reviews mention a distinctive "sweet and umami" taste, or a "pop of flavour on the tongue" with a good zing to balance the sweetness. It's often called one of Lee Goodwin's sweetest cherry tomatoes.
Growth Habit: It is an indeterminate vining tomato. This means the plant will continue to grow, flower, and produce fruit throughout the entire growing season until frost. It can reach heights of 1.8 to 2 meters or more and can be quite vigorous and very productive.
Maturity: Considered a mid-season cherry tomato, typically maturing in around 110-120 days from seed sowing.
Productivity: Known for its abundance of small fruits, yielding prolifically, with continuous production throughout the season.
Resilience: The wild tomato lineage (Solanum hirsutum) contributes to its robustness and adaptability.
'Copper Currant' is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for a highly productive, unusually coloured, and incredibly sweet cherry tomato. Its unique flavour profile and charming appearance make it a favourite for fresh eating, snacking, and adding to salads. If you love sweet cherry tomatoes, this one is definitely worth trying.