Tomato Healani

Description

Item Details

A great standard red tomato for our area was first introduced to us by our friend Tim Noyes, the local tomato breeder. This was bred in Hawaii for resistance to hotter weather. That said, no tomato likes OUR hot weather! Fruits are about 2.5″ and have a really great flavor, quite sweet. Lots of meat and not too much seed. Resistant to the common root-knot nematode, fusarium wilt, gray leaf spot, and one strain of spotted wilt virus. It is also tolerant to the tobacco mosaic virus. Good fruit set in high heat set. Fruits ripen earlier than any of the other Hawaiian types. Determinate variety.

History

“Healani” was released in 1970 as a result of work by the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and many breeders. It was meant to be an improved Anahu.

Seed Saving Tips

Tomato seeds should be fermented to remove the outer jelly-like coating on the seed before storage. Squeeze seeds into a jar and let sit for 24-72 hours, depending on how fast it goes. Stir every day and observe the natural and desired layer of mold that begins forming. Rinse and strain seeds if it seems like the jelly coating has been removed. Good seeds sink, and bad ones float. Drain the bad ones off with the debris, using fresh water a few times till clear. Dry on a cloth napkin or coffee filter (not a paper towel, newspaper, etc., it sticks) for several days and then store somewhere cool, dark, and dry. Tomato seeds last many years if kept in good condition.

Planting:

• Spacing: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, 24-36 inches apart in rows 36-48 inches apart.
• Sunlight: Tomatoes require full sun.
• Soil: They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8.
• Watering: Water deeply but not too frequently to keep the soil consistently moist.
• Harvesting: Harvest when the tomatoes are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch.

 

Health Benefits:

• Vitamin C: They are high in vitamin C, supporting immune health.
• Vitamin A: They are a good source of vitamin A, promoting eye health.
• Heart Health: They contain heart-healthy nutrients like potassium and folate.
• Antioxidants: They are high in antioxidants, including lycopene, which is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
• Digestive Health: They’re a good source of fiber, aiding in digestion.