A very rare variety native to Russia, where it is used in sandwiches, cooking, and preserves. The fruits are very large and green, often weighing more than half a kilogram. Like most green tomatoes, the flavor here is predominantly sweet. It is also one of the largest and most productive varieties we have introduced to date. For lovers of green tomatoes, it’s a true gem of the garden. The fruits reach maturity about 85 days after transplanting. The plant grows tall and requires staking or tying up.
The Russian name is Izumrudnoe Yabloko (Изумрудное Яблоко), meaning “emerald apple.” The variety was listed in the 2008 edition of the Seed Savers Exchange catalog, based on seeds provided by Bill Minkey and Neil Lockhart. Its green flesh is a characteristic of ripe fruit, not a sign that the tomato must be left to turn red.
