We heard through the tomato vine that ‘Indigo Rose’ tomato flavor was lacking. This newly developed variety is known for its dramatic purple hue and its antioxidant content, especially anthocyanins. Concerned that seed companies may be hyping the flavor, describing the variety as “delectable” and “sparkling,” we asked members of our Facebook community to report their experiences with growing this purple tomato variety. The reviews from this informal tomato taste test were mixed; here’s a sampling.—MOTHER
I grew ‘Indigo Rose’ this year. The fruits are stunning on the plant and vine, but lack the great flavor I was really expecting and looking forward to. — Pilar V. Hari, Washington
I grew them last year. You have to let them really ripen on the vine, until they’re soft to the touch, to get the best taste. Underripe equals less flavor. They get orange on the bottom instead of green, and the purple tops get almost blackish-brown. They worked best in a mixed tomato salad, as the flavor didn’t stand on its own. — Donald J. Shurtleff, Rhode Island
I grew this tomato for two years. I love the taste, which I describe as flowery. It doesn’t taste like most tomatoes; it has its own unique flavor. I liked to eat it right off the vine. I’m not growing it this year because it wasn’t as productive for me as other tomato varieties. If I had more garden space, I would grow several plants. — Frida Morpha, Oregon
I’ve trialed and grown ‘Indigo Rose’ tomatoes in my home garden. The plant is a fantastic producer in the heat — a big benefit to us Texas gardeners. It continues to set fruit through July and August, which is unheard of here. The fruits are beautiful, and the plants are compact, so they make great edible ornamentals for your foodscape garden. You have to let the fruits ripen on the vine for a long time — but luckily, the fruits hold on long enough to get really ripe without dropping. Is ‘Indigo Rose’ the sweetest tomato? No, it isn’t. But is the flavor good? Yes, and the variety offers a good balance of benefits. — Leslie Halleck, Texas
It’s beautiful on the vine, but its skin is incredibly thick and tannic, lending bitterness to its underwhelming flavor. This isn’t an eat-off-the-vine, stand-alone tomato, but the plants are vigorous and withstand both incredibly dry and wet seasons. — Susan Noblet, Ohio
I was initially intrigued by this little tomato, but, sadly, I’m not impressed. The color of ‘Indigo Rose’ is gorgeous, and it blends nicely in a tomato salad, but the taste is lacking, and the plant isn’t prolific. I’d rather have a ‘Cherokee Purple’ or ‘San Marzano.’ I’ll save seed from my strongest plant in hopes of better luck next year. — Amy Havens Kelly, Illinois
Photo by Shelley Stonebrook