Three Sisters tomato

Three Sisters Tomato is a variety of tomato that is part of the larger Three Sisters agricultural method practiced by Native Americans. This method of companion planting involves growing corn, beans, and squash together, with the Three Sisters Tomato being a modern addition to this traditional grouping.

History

The Three Sisters Tomato is a relatively new addition to the Three Sisters method. The original Three Sisters method did not include tomatoes, as they were not native to North America and were not introduced until after European contact. However, in recent years, some gardeners have begun including tomatoes in their Three Sisters plantings, leading to the development of the Three Sisters Tomato.

Characteristics

The Three Sisters Tomato is a heirloom variety known for its robust flavor and high yield. It is a climbing variety, which makes it well-suited to the Three Sisters method, as it can grow up the corn stalks, similar to the beans. The tomatoes are medium-sized and have a deep red color when ripe.

Cultivation

Like other tomatoes, the Three Sisters Tomato requires a sunny location and well-drained soil. It is typically planted in the spring, after the last frost, and harvested in late summer or early fall. The Three Sisters method of cultivation involves planting the tomatoes, corn, and beans in a specific pattern that allows each plant to benefit from the others. The corn provides a natural trellis for the beans and tomatoes to climb, the beans fix nitrogen in the soil to benefit the other plants, and the squash provides ground cover to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.

Uses

The Three Sisters Tomato is primarily used for fresh eating, but it can also be used in cooking. It is particularly popular in salsas and salads due to its robust flavor.

See also

• Companion planting
• Heirloom tomato
• Native American cuisine