A distinctive feature of this variety is the double-heart shape of the fruit. Although it is a late-season variety—maturing in 90 days—it more than makes up for this later on with its flavor and fleshy texture. Best of all, this variety is not only very high-yielding, but its fruits can also weigh up to 700 grams!
The number 117 comes from the variety’s catalog number in the Seed Savers Exchange collection and distinguishes it from other tomatoes known as “Russian.” The seeds were sent to Carolyn Male in 1991 by Marie Kodama of Hawaii. Russian 117 is also one of the parents of the bicolor “Orange Russian 117.”
