A FASCINATING HISTORY, RED CURRANT TOMATOES SPLIT FROM THE OTHERS IN IT’S WILD FAMILY AND IS THE ANCESTOR OF EVERY RED TOMATO EVER GROWN!

Red Currant tomatoes are the smallest edible tomato, each fruit weighing an average of just three grams and measuring half of an inch in diameter. The round, red fruits are notable for their strong, sweet-tart flavour and firm, juicy texture. They are thin-skinned and glossy, and their flesh contains two cells that tend to be seedy, but packed with an exceptionally sweet, true tomato flavour due to their high levels of both sugar and acid when ripe.

Tomato Red Currant (Solanum pimpinellifolium) is a wild tomato species native to coastal regions of South America, particularly Peru and Ecuador. It is considered one of the ancestors of modern cultivated tomatoes. This variety has been grown and appreciated for centuries due to its resilience, heavy fruit set, and the intense flavour packed into its tiny fruits. Red Currant tomatoes grow in long trusses and are known for their ornamental beauty and exceptional productivity in home gardens.

Although small in size, Red Currant tomatoes offer a nutritious punch. They are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene—a powerful compound linked to reduced inflammation and lower risk of certain cancers. These tomatoes are also high in vitamin C, potassium, and fibre, contributing to heart health, immune support, and healthy digestion. Their antioxidant profile makes them a valuable addition to a varied diet.

Red Currant tomatoes are especially prized for their sweet yet tangy flavour. They’re ideal for snacking straight off the vine, tossing into salads, or garnishing plates. Their small size and bold colour make them popular in children’s lunch boxes and gourmet kitchen presentations.

HOW IT GROWS
This is an indeterminate tomato, meaning it will continue to grow and fruit throughout the warm season until killed by frost. In areas without frost, it can go on producing for many months. It is a sprawling and vigorous plant that can climb, trail, or bush depending on how it is supported. It produces masses of small red fruits on long clusters, often more abundantly than other cherry or currant types. The plants are hardy and can self-seed readily, making them an excellent naturaliser in warm, sunny gardens.

GROWING FROM SEED
If you want a head start, plant seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost. Or sow them any time from early Spring to early summer. Sow seeds about 5 mm deep in a good quality seed-raising mix and keep them at a steady temperature of 21–24°C. Germination generally takes 7–14 days. Once seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.

Before planting out, harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week. Choose a full sun position with rich, free-draining soil, and space plants 60–80 cm apart. Provide support with stakes or cages, and prune occasionally to keep growth under control. Water regularly and mulch well to retain soil moisture. Once established, Red Currant tomatoes will reward you with long trusses of small, juicy fruit that ripen continuously through summer.