Zhezha—also known as Zheza—is an old tomato variety native to China. It produces short, bushy plants with limited growth, reaching about 100–120 cm under our growing conditions. The red, round, or slightly flattened fruits grow to about 200 g. They are very firm and hard, have a thick skin, and show little tendency to crack.
According to available records, seeds of this variety were given to Gary Ibsen of TomatoFest in 2001 by a farmer from China. Zhezha was valued primarily for its good tolerance of high temperatures, and after several years of testing, it entered wider circulation among collectors. The variety is now also found in European and Ukrainian collections of heirloom tomatoes.
In Pomidorlandia’s cultivation, it stood out for the exceptional shelf life of its fruit and its very late ripening—the main harvest does not begin until late September. Its dense flesh, firm texture, and low susceptibility to cracking make “Zhezha” a particularly interesting variety for sauces and purees.
