Zapotec catches the eye with its deep ribs, which give the fruit an almost sculptural shape. The pinkish-red tomatoes, which we describe as weighing between 150 and 300 g, are meaty and mildly sweet. When sliced crosswise, they form decorative slices; larger tomatoes are also well-suited for baking or stuffing.
This variety is also known as Zapotec Pleated. Its cultivation tradition is linked to the indigenous peoples of the Mexican region of Oaxaca. It is one of those tomatoes whose unusual appearance highlights the richness of ancient, local cultivars.
It grows tall and needs to be staked. It’s best to set aside a sunny, warm spot for it and allow time for it to ripen in the latter part of the growing season. If you like heavily ribbed fruits, pair it with “Mushroom Basket”—together, they’ll make for an interesting comparison of shapes and flesh.
