Costoluto Genovese is an old Italian variety whose name means “ribbed from Genoa.” Its deep ridges and strongly flattened fruit evoke the appearance of tomatoes found in old gardens. Today, it is also grown in the historic Monticello garden, where it showcases the characteristics of early, heavily ribbed tomato varieties.
The plant is tall, with regular-type leaves; it requires sturdy support and bears fruit for a long time. The fruits ripen approximately 70–90 days after transplanting the seedlings. They are deep red, typically weigh about 170–225 g, and have a fleshy interior and a strong, distinctly tart flavor. Consistent watering reduces the risk of cracking.
This tomato is particularly versatile in the kitchen: for sauce, passata, and puree, but also for bruschetta or in salads when a distinctive flavor is desired. Its decorative shape yields striking, irregular slices. You can read about heirloom tomatoes and today’s collection in the Monticello Garden’s publication.
