Oxheart Tomato: Complete Growing & Culinary Guide

Oxheart tomatoes are large, heart-shaped heirloom varieties known for their rich, complex flavor and meaty texture with minimal seeds. Typically weighing 1-2 pounds, these tomatoes feature deep red skin, a distinctive pointed bottom, and exceptional juiciness without excessive moisture—making them ideal for sauces, sandwiches, and fresh preparations where structural integrity matters.

As a passionate gardener and culinary enthusiast, I've grown oxheart tomatoes for over a decade across different climates. What sets them apart isn't just their romantic shape resembling a human heart, but their remarkable balance of sweetness and acidity that outperforms many commercial varieties. Whether you're planning your garden or seeking superior ingredients for your kitchen, understanding this heirloom treasure unlocks both gardening success and culinary excellence.

Your Complete Guide to Oxheart Tomatoes

What Exactly Is an Oxheart Tomato?

Botanically classified as Solanum lycopersicum, oxheart tomatoes belong to the heirloom category—meaning they're open-pollinated varieties passed down through generations. Unlike modern hybrid tomatoes bred for shipping durability, oxhearts prioritize flavor and texture. Their most distinctive feature is the pronounced heart shape with a deep indentation at the blossom end and a pointed tip, typically growing to 3-4 inches in diameter.

While often confused with beefsteak tomatoes, oxhearts have several distinguishing characteristics:

Characteristic	Oxheart Tomatoes	Beefsteak Tomatoes	Cherry Tomatoes
Average Weight	1-2 lbs (450-900g)	1-1.5 lbs (450-680g)	0.5-1 oz (14-28g)
Shape	Distinct heart shape with pointed tip	Rounded, often ribbed	Small and round
Seed Count	Fewer seeds, meatier flesh	More seed cavities	Proportionally more seeds
Flavor Profile	Rich, balanced sweet-acidic	Milder, sometimes watery	Intensely sweet
Best Culinary Use	Sauces, sandwiches, roasting	Slicing, burgers	Salads, snacking

The Rich History of Oxheart Tomatoes

Originating in South America like all cultivated tomatoes, oxheart varieties gained prominence in European gardens during the 19th century. Historical records from the USDA National Agricultural Library show oxheart types were particularly popular in French and Italian kitchen gardens by the 1880s. The name "oxheart" likely references both their substantial size and distinctive shape resembling a bull's heart.

Unlike many heirlooms that nearly disappeared during the mid-20th century commercialization of agriculture, oxheart tomatoes maintained a dedicated following among home gardeners. Seed Savers Exchange documentation indicates these varieties survived primarily through regional preservation efforts in Mediterranean countries before experiencing renewed global interest in the 2000s as part of the heirloom tomato renaissance.

Growing Oxheart Tomatoes Successfully

While oxhearts share basic growing requirements with other tomatoes, their size and heritage create specific needs:

Optimal Growing Conditions

• Climate: Thrive in warm temperatures (70-85°F / 21-29°C) with moderate humidity
• Sunlight: Minimum 6-8 hours of direct sun daily
• Soil: Well-draining, loamy soil with pH 6.2-6.8 enriched with organic matter
• Spacing: 24-36 inches between plants (wider than standard tomatoes due to larger size)

According to Cornell University's Vegetable Growing Guide, oxheart varieties particularly benefit from consistent moisture levels—fluctuations can cause cracking in their thin skins. Mulching with straw or wood chips helps maintain soil moisture while preventing soil-borne diseases.

Planting Timeline

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Transplant outdoors when soil temperature reaches at least 60°F (15.5°C) and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). For most temperate zones, this means:

• Indoor sowing: Late winter to early spring
• Transplanting: Late spring
• First harvest: Approximately 75-85 days after transplanting

Common Challenges and Solutions

While generally robust, oxheart tomatoes face specific challenges:

Disease Management

Like all tomatoes, oxhearts are susceptible to common diseases including:

• Blossom end rot: Caused by calcium deficiency—maintain consistent watering and add calcium-rich amendments
• Fusarium wilt: Rotate crops annually and choose disease-resistant varieties when available
• Cracking: More common in oxhearts due to thin skin—harvest slightly early during heavy rain periods

The University of California's Integrated Pest Management program recommends preventative measures like proper spacing for air circulation and avoiding overhead watering to minimize disease risks.

Culinary Applications: Why Chefs Love Oxhearts

Professional chefs consistently choose oxheart tomatoes for applications where texture and flavor concentration matter. Their lower water content and meaty flesh make them superior for:

• Sauces and preserves: Require less reduction time than juicier varieties
• Sandwiches and burgers: Hold their shape without becoming soggy
• Roasting: Concentrates flavors beautifully while maintaining structure
• Caprese salads: Provides substantial texture contrast with mozzarella

When developing recipes specifically for oxheart tomatoes, I've found their balanced acidity makes them exceptionally versatile—they work equally well in fresh preparations and cooked applications without requiring additional balancing ingredients.

Harvesting and Storage Tips

Harvest oxheart tomatoes when they've developed full color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Unlike some commercial varieties, they continue ripening after picking, but flavor peaks when vine-ripened.

For best storage:

• Keep at room temperature away from direct sunlight
• Never refrigerate whole tomatoes (chilling destroys flavor compounds)
• Use within 3-5 days of peak ripeness
• Store cut surfaces downward on a plate to minimize moisture loss

According to USDA food safety guidelines, once cut, tomatoes should be refrigerated and consumed within 2 days for optimal quality and safety.

Where to Find Oxheart Tomato Seeds

Several reputable seed companies offer authentic oxheart varieties:

• Seed Savers Exchange (heirloom preservation organization)
• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
• Fedco Seeds
• Your local agricultural extension office

When selecting seeds, look for specific varieties like "Cuor di Bue" (Italian for "ox heart"), "Heartland," or "Oxheart" to ensure you're getting authentic types rather than marketing terms applied to generic large tomatoes.

Maximizing Your Oxheart Tomato Experience

Whether you're growing your first garden or expanding your culinary repertoire, these final tips will help you get the most from oxheart tomatoes:

• Support plants with sturdy cages—oxhearts produce substantial fruit that can break weaker supports
• Pinch off suckers to direct energy toward fruit production
• Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth
• Pair with fresh basil and high-quality olive oil to highlight natural flavors
• Try roasting halved oxhearts with herbs for a stunning side dish

Through careful cultivation and thoughtful preparation, oxheart tomatoes deliver an exceptional eating experience that connects us to gardening traditions while satisfying modern culinary expectations. Their unique combination of visual appeal, structural integrity, and rich flavor makes them worth the slightly extra care they require.