Scientifically known as Solanum lycopersicum, the red zebra tomato is part of the genus Solanum. A relatively new variety of tomato the red zebra is a chance offspring of one of the first marketed “green when ripe” tomatoes, the Green zebra which was developed in 1980 by Tom Wagner. This non-heirloom variety tomato is sought after for its uniform shape and resistance to cracking.

Red zebra tomatoes have a unique striped bi-colored outer skin that is overall red in color with light yellow-orange streaks. They are round and uniform in shape and grow to be about two to three inches when matured. The inner flesh of the red zebra is juicy and offers a mild acidity and overall sweet-tart tomato flavor.

Serving Ideas

Red zebra tomato can be used in any given recipe, fresh or cooked, calling for traditionally sized or cherry tomatoes. Their round uniform shape makes them perfect for skewering onto kebabs or serving halved in salads. Their vibrant color will showcase well in pico de gallo, bruschetta or atop pizzas and pasta. Red zebra tomatoes will complement aged cheeses such as parmesan and asiago as well as soft cheeses such as mozzarella and queso fresco. Red zebra tomatoes pair well with avocado, mushrooms, herbs such as basil, oregano and cilantro, eggplant, chiles, garlic, onion, poultry, aged balsamic vinegar and cream based-sauces.

Geography/History

The red zebra tomato was first discovered growing in California by Jeff Dawson in 1992. Believed to be a cross between a Green zebra and an unknown parent Dawson found the red tomato growing in his patch of Green zebra tomatoes. He planted the unique tomato the following year and it produced four distinctive varieties of tomato he would go on to name and market. A green tomato with no stripes (Marz), a yellow and green striped tomato (Lemonhead), a large striped red tomato (Copia) and the round red and yellow striped tomato (red zebra). Similar to other tomato varieties the red zebra tomato plant is sensitive to frost and prefers warm soil and full sun for optimum growing.

Seasons/Availability

Red zebra tomatoes are available in the spring and early summer.