Discover the Mysterious Allure of Ananas Noire Tomato

As you browse the rainbow squash section at your local farmer’s market, one oddity always stands out—the deep purple, almost black tomatoes shaped like pineapple. Their mystical color and frilly foliage cast a spell of curiosity. What are these uniquely hued orbs, where did they originate, and what secrets lie within? Welcome to the world of Ananas Noire, one of the most striking and delicious heirloom tomatoes you’ll ever sink your teeth into.

A Rare Heirloom from the Isle of Black Tomatoes

Ananas Noire tomato seeds trace their roots back over 80 years to the tiny island of Guadeloupe in the southern Caribbean Sea. Local oral tradition in this French overseas region tells of a place called L’Ile Des Tomates Noires, the Isle of Black Tomatoes. Hidden somewhere along Guadeloupe’s volcanic slopes, generations of farmers passed down seeds for the darkest, most succulent tomatoes around.

From this lush island paradise comes the tomato variety now known as Ananas Noire, meaning “black pineapple” in French. Available only since the 1990s, seeds are still quite rare for this intriguing heirloom. Its origins may be shrouded in mystery, but one taste of the sweet earthy flavor and tropical overtones will transport your taste buds straight to the Caribbean.

• Color: Deep purple-black skin and flesh when ripe
• Size: 6-10 ounces on average
• Shape: Oblong, oval
• Texture: Silky, creamy interior
• Flavor: Sweet, earthy, hints of smoky spice
• Plant Type: Indeterminate vines
• Maturity: 75-80 days from transplant to harvest
• Yield: Medium, around 1 lb per plant
• Hardiness: Heat-loving, grows best in zones 8-11
• Origins: Heirloom from the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe
• Seed Availability: Rare, specialty seed companies
• Fun Fact: Also called the “Black Pineapple” tomato

Unique Appearance and Growth Habits

Ananas Noire tomato plants have a shrubby, sprawling growth perfect for containers. The dark green leaves contrast splendidly with purple stems and undersides. The color really intensifies with plenty of sunshine. Staking or caging helps manage the 5-7 foot vines.

Sized like a small beefsteak, the fruits generally weigh 6-10 ounces. Expect medium yields of these thin-skinned tomatoes throughout the season. Their striking deep burgundy exterior shifts from jet black to burnt red when ripe. The dark pigments also tinge the smooth flesh within.

Expect 75-80 days from transplant to first ripe fruit. Ananas Noire thrives in warm weather and consistent moisture. These heat-loving tomatoes stop setting fruit below 55°F, so start plants indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. Adding mycorrhizal fungi at planting boosts their nutrient uptake in garden soil.

Rich, Complex Flavor with Tropical Undertones

Beyond impressive looks, Ananas Noire offers an extraordinary eating experience with a creamy texture and complex flavors. Take a bite and let the symphony of sweet, earthy notes blended with a hint of smoky spice wash over your tongue. It’s the umami of heirloom tomatoes turned up to 11.

The low acidity means rich, mellow tastes with subtle fruity undertones. You’ll detect hints of the tropics, like pineapple juice mixed with red wine. Ananas Noire provides a memorable culinary experience sliced fresh or cooked into sauces. These tomatoes become even more sweet and robust when oven-roasted or dried.

How to Include Ananas Noire Tomatoes in Your Garden

Curious to try growing these “black pineapple” tomatoes for yourself? Ananas Noire seeds can be hard to source, so preorder starts in late winter from specialty sellers like Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Seed Savers Exchange, or Totally Tomatoes. To skip gruelle plant-raising, look for potted seedlings at local nurseries in spring. Handle transplants gently to avoid bruising the delicate fruits within.

Give each Ananas Noire plant plenty of space to wander, at least 24-36 inches apart. Plant in sunny beds amended with aged compost for best results. If using containers, choose at least a 10-gallon pot and use quality potting mix.

Install cages or trellises right after transplanting to support the vigorous vines. Fertilize plants weekly with water-soluble organic tomato food once flowers appear. Consistent watering is key during the heat of summer. Ananas Noire won’t tolerate drought OR waterlogged soils.

Watch for pests like hornworms on heirloom tomato plants. Pick them off by hand or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacteria spray, for heavy infestations. You’ll soon be harvesting unique black tomatoes bursting with heavenly flavor!

Ananas Noire Tomato Recipes

The exotic colors and tropical flavors of Ananas Noire tomatoes lend a distinctive flair to recipes. Their thin skin and creamy interior texture make Ananas Noire perfect for cooking.

Grilled Ananas Noire and Shrimp Skewers

Thread chunks of Ananas Noire alternating with shrimp and pineapple chunks onto skewers. Brush with Caribbean jerk seasoning and olive oil. Grill until the shrimp is opaque.

Ananas Noire Roasted Tomato Soup

Roast diced Ananas Noire tomatoes with onion, garlic, and olive oil. Puree with vegetable broth and coconut milk. Garnish bowls with croutons and cilantro.

Ananas Noire Tomato Galette

Lay sliced Ananas Noire tomatoes in circles on a pie dough round. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze. Fold edges over and bake at 400°F until browned.

Ananas Noire Bruschetta

Dice Ananas Noire tomatoes and toss with olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, cumin, and cilantro. Spoon over baguette slices toasted with Caribbean jerk seasoning.

Ananas Noire Tomato Chutney

Simmer diced Ananas Noire tomatoes with brown sugar, ginger, jalapeño, lime juice, and vinegar until thickened. Serve as a sandwich spread or grilled meat topping.

The thin skin and silky texture make Ananas Noire tomatoes perfect for highlighting their exotic island flavors. Try these recipes to enjoy their tropical essence.

Where to Find Ananas Noire Tomato Seeds and Plants?

• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds – This rare seed seller offers Ananas Noire seeds for $5.95 per packet.
• Totally Tomatoes – A specialty tomato seed company with Ananas Noire seeds in stock for $4.49 per packet.
• Seed Savers Exchange – As a non-profit seed saver network, they carry rare Ananas Noire heirloom seeds for members.
• Victory Seeds – An heirloom tomato seed supplier with Ananas Noire starter plants available in spring.
• Burpee Seeds – This popular seed company now includes Ananas Noire in their catalog, a packet for $5.95.

Check your local nurseries and garden centers to see if they can pre-order Ananas Noire tomato starter plants for you. The purple color makes these very popular.

You can also mail order Ananas Noire plants from these online sources:

• Burpee Plants – Offers established Ananas Noire tomato plants guaranteed to arrive healthy.
• Grow Organic – Sells certified organic, non-GMO Ananas Noire tomato starter plants shipped nationally.
• Tomato Growers Supply – A specialty grower offering Ananas Noire heirloom tomato transplants by mail order

Wrapping up!

For tomato lovers seeking adventure, look no further than the mystique of Ananas Noire. These exotic purple-black tomatoes offer beguiling looks and bewitching flavor. Their sweet, earthy taste with smoky and tropical essences provides an extraordinary culinary experience. Though rare, the effort to track down Ananas Noire seeds or plants will reward you with a uniquely hued heirloom that’s a true orchard treasure. Let the tropical splendor of Ananas Noire tomatoes charm their way into your garden this year!