Paul Robeson

Paul Robeson is a dusky red coloured beefsteak tomatoe of medium to large size (ca 200-600g).  This rare heirloom tomato is celebrated for its rich slightly smokey flavours.

Paul Robeson is one of our favourite tomatoes and we love using it in thin slices on a sandwich or sliced thick in a burger bun instead of a burger patty.

As this variety originates from Siberia it is a good choice for cooler growing regions. It was made available to the wider world after the Cold War by Marina Danilenko, a pioneering tomato seeds collector from Moscow, who introduced at least 170 varieties from the old USSR to Seed Savers Exchange in USA. Nowadays it has developed a cult following among  some of the heirloom growers in USA and elsewhere.

The variety was named after the world famous African-American singer and civil rights activist Paul Robeson (1898-1976). More information about this intriguing but somewhat divisive character can e.g. be found on wikipedia and several videos with his old performances are available on YouTube.

As interesting and quirky as Paul Robeson’s personal history is the main star here is the tomato variety. It is a beautiful tomato with great flavours that should be of interest for tomato growers and chefs alike.

Also listed as one of the top 10 tomatoes to grow in a gardening article in Irish times