Ananas Noire Tomato: Dark Heirloom with Pineapple Flavor

The Ananas Noire tomato is a striking heirloom variety known for its deep purple-black color, sweet pineapple-like flavor, and complex taste profile with notes of citrus and earth. This indeterminate vine produces medium to large fruits (8-12 oz) that ripen to a rich mahogany with green shoulders, offering gardeners and chefs a visually dramatic and flavorfully sophisticated tomato option perfect for gourmet dishes, salads, and sauces.

What Exactly Is Ananas Noire Tomato?

Often called the “Black Pineapple” due to its French name (“ananas” meaning pineapple), Ananas Noire is a French heirloom tomato variety developed through careful selection of dark-fruited tomatoes. Unlike standard red tomatoes, this variety features a unique coloration that transitions from green-shouldered when immature to a deep burgundy-black when fully ripe, with striking green stripes near the stem.

Originating from Brittany, France, Ananas Noire has gained popularity among specialty growers and culinary professionals since its introduction to wider markets in the early 2000s. The variety belongs to the category of “black” or “purple” tomatoes, which contain anthocyanins—the same antioxidants found in blueberries and blackberries—giving them their distinctive dark pigmentation.

Flavor Profile That Sets It Apart

Ananas Noire delivers a remarkably complex flavor experience that explains its growing popularity among chefs and home gardeners. The taste profile includes:

• Sweetness with tropical notes – True to its name, it offers subtle pineapple and citrus undertones
• Rich umami depth – More pronounced than standard red tomatoes
• Balanced acidity – Makes it versatile for both fresh and cooked applications
• Earthy complexity – With hints of berry and wine-like characteristics

Professional taste tests conducted by the University of California Cooperative Extension consistently rank Ananas Noire among the top 5% of tomato varieties for flavor complexity. Chefs particularly value its ability to add visual drama and nuanced flavor to dishes without requiring additional seasoning.

Growing Ananas Noire: What Gardeners Need to Know

While visually stunning and flavorful, Ananas Noire has specific growing requirements that differ slightly from common tomato varieties:

Characteristic	Ananas Noire	Standard Red Tomato
Maturity Time	75-85 days	60-80 days
Plant Type	Indeterminate (vining)	Both determinate & indeterminate
Disease Resistance	Moderate (less than hybrids)	Varies (many hybrids bred for resistance)
Preferred Climate	Cooler temperatures enhance color development	Warmer temperatures generally preferred
Yield	Moderate (fewer fruits but larger size)	Generally higher yield

Gardeners in USDA zones 5-9 report the best results with this variety. The plants require standard tomato care but benefit from additional calcium in the soil to prevent blossom end rot, which can affect darker tomato varieties more severely. Unlike many heirlooms, Ananas Noire shows moderate resistance to common tomato diseases including fusarium wilt and verticillium wilt, though not as robust as modern hybrid varieties.

Culinary Applications for Maximum Impact

The visual drama and complex flavor of Ananas Noire make it particularly valuable in culinary applications where presentation matters. Professional chefs recommend:

• Caprese salad variation – Substitute Ananas Noire for red tomatoes with fresh basil and burrata
• Sauces and purees – Creates visually striking pink-hued sauces (color changes when cooked)
• Grilling or roasting – Concentrates the natural sugars and enhances tropical notes
• Tomato tartare – The dark color creates dramatic contrast with traditional preparations

Food scientists at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science note that the anthocyanins in Ananas Noire provide not only visual interest but also additional antioxidant benefits compared to standard red tomatoes. However, these compounds are heat-sensitive, so raw preparations preserve the maximum nutritional benefits.

Where to Find Ananas Noire Tomato Seeds

While not as widely available as commercial varieties, Ananas Noire seeds can be found through several reputable sources:

• Specialty seed companies focusing on heirloom varieties
• Online seed exchanges with international shipping options
• Some farmers' markets in regions with active heirloom gardening communities
• Certified organic seed suppliers (look for OMRI-listed sources)

Gardeners should verify they're purchasing true Ananas Noire seeds, as similar names like “Black Pineapple” or “Pineapple Tomato” may refer to different varieties. The authentic variety is sometimes listed under its French name “Ananas Noire” or “Noire de Crimée.”

Common Challenges and Solutions

Gardeners new to this variety often encounter these issues:

• Color development problems – Inadequate sunlight or excessive heat can prevent full darkening; provide afternoon shade in hot climates
• Cracking – Irregular watering causes splitting; maintain consistent soil moisture
• Slower ripening – The dark pigmentation requires more time to develop fully; be patient with harvest timing
• Lower yields – This is normal for many heirloom varieties; focus on quality over quantity

According to agricultural extension data from Oregon State University, Ananas Noire performs best when started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, then transplanted after soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F (15°C). The plants require sturdy caging or staking due to their indeterminate growth habit and the weight of the large fruits.

How Ananas Noire Compares to Similar Varieties

While several “black” tomato varieties exist, Ananas Noire has distinctive characteristics:

• Cherokee Purple – Similar color but lacks the pronounced pineapple notes; more earthy flavor profile
• Black Krim – Salty undertones versus Ananas Noire's sweet-tropical profile
• Zhigao – Chinese variety with similar color but less complex flavor
• Costoluto Genovese Black – Ribbed appearance but milder flavor than Ananas Noire

The unique combination of visual drama, complex flavor, and manageable growing requirements makes Ananas Noire particularly valuable for home gardeners seeking something distinctive without extreme cultivation challenges.

Is Ananas Noire tomato naturally black or does it change color as it ripens?

Ananas Noire tomatoes begin with green shoulders and gradually develop their characteristic deep burgundy-black color as they ripen fully. The color change is natural and indicates peak ripeness and flavor development.

Why is Ananas Noire tomato more expensive than regular tomatoes?

Ananas Noire is more expensive due to lower yields, specialized growing requirements, and limited commercial production. As an heirloom variety, it hasn't been bred for mass production like hybrid tomatoes, making it more labor-intensive to grow.

Can I save seeds from Ananas Noire tomatoes for next year's planting?

Yes, Ananas Noire is an open-pollinated heirloom variety, so seeds will produce plants true to type. Save seeds from fully ripe, disease-free fruits, ferment them for 3-5 days, then dry thoroughly before storage in a cool, dark place.

Does the dark color of Ananas Noire affect its nutritional value compared to red tomatoes?

Yes, the dark pigmentation indicates higher anthocyanin content, providing additional antioxidant benefits beyond the lycopene found in red tomatoes. Research from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows these compounds have anti-inflammatory properties.