Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) 'Canestrino di Lucca': Italian Tomato Specialty from Tuscany

The Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) 'Canestrino di Lucca' is a traditional Tuscan tomato specialty cultivated for over 100 years. This pear-shaped tomato with ribs and green shoulders is not only a culinary highlight but also a real eye-catcher in the vegetable garden. With its sweet, slightly tart flavor and rich aroma, this variety is ideal for fresh salads and sauces.

Characteristics of Tomato 'Canestrino di Lucca'

Canestrino di Lucca stands out for its unique shape and color. The fruits are pear- or plum-shaped, slightly ribbed, and have green shoulders. They combine abundant sweetness with a subtle acidity, resulting in a balanced flavor that is perfect both fresh and in dishes.

Key Features:

• Unique pear/plum shape with ribs

• Green shoulders that give character to the fruit

• Sweet and slightly sour in taste

• Indeterminate growth: The plant grows continuously and produces fruits over a longer period

• Traditional variety: Grown in Tuscany for over 100 years, probably originally from Mexico

The combination of taste, shape and tradition makes this variety a real favorite for home gardeners and lovers of authentic Italian tomatoes.

Growth and Cultivation Conditions

Canestrino di Lucca is an indeterminate tomato variety, meaning the plant continues to grow and produce fruit as long as conditions remain favorable. This variety is well-suited for both open-field and greenhouse cultivation, provided the plant has sufficient space and support.

Cultivation advice:

• Sowing: February to March indoors

• Plant out: After the last frost in the open ground or greenhouse

• Location: Sunny and warm, preferably sheltered from strong winds

• Soil: Nutritious, humus-rich and well-drained

• Support: Recommended because of the indeterminate growth

• Harvest: When the green shoulders are still present, for optimal taste

Thanks to its indeterminate growth and traditional selection, Canestrino di Lucca produces a long harvest period of tasty tomatoes, ideal for home gardeners who want to harvest large quantities of high-quality fruit.

Use in the Kitchen

The pear-shaped, ribbed tomatoes from Canestrino di Lucca are particularly versatile:

• Ideal for fresh salads and caprese

• Suitable for tomato sauces and light stews.

• The subtle sweet-sour balance makes them perfect for fresh preparation or processing

• Visually attractive due to the ribs and green shoulders, ideal for presentation

Thanks to their authentic taste and traditional appearance, these tomatoes are popular with home cooks, Italian cuisine enthusiasts and artisan gardeners.

Why choose Tomato 'Canestrino di Lucca'?

✔ Pear/plum-shaped tomatoes with ribs and green shoulders
✔ Authentic Tuscan variety, cultivated for over 100 years
✔ Indeterminate growth, long harvest period
✔ Sweet with a light acidity, ideal for salads and sauces
✔ Suitable for open ground and greenhouse
✔ Traditional Italian specialty with a rich taste and aroma