Coeur de Pigeon Heirloom Tomatoes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes are small, averaging 2 to 4 centimeters in length, and have a distinct oval, ovoid, teardrop, or elongated shape with slight tapering to a pointed, non-stem end. Each tomato weighs 15 to 20 grams and has glossy, smooth, taut, semi-thin skin. It is important to note that there are several varieties found in red, yellow, and yellow-orange hues. Underneath the surface, the red flesh is crunchy, firm, aqueous, and succulent. The flesh also encases a central cavity filled with tiny edible seeds suspended in a gelatinous liquid. Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes are edible raw once ripe and are favored for their mild, sweet, and fresh flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes are available in France from March through November, with a peak season occurring from May through October.
Current Facts
Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes, botanically classified as Solanum lycopersicum, are a French variety belonging to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. The small tomatoes grow in long clusters and are an indeterminate cultivar, meaning the plants will produce tomatoes throughout the season until the first frost. Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes are a mid-season cultivar, and the tomatoes mature approximately 75 days after transplanting. The tomatoes are harvested by hand once ripe and are known for their flavor, prized for their out-of-hand sweetness. Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes come in red and yellow-orange varieties, with red types known as Rouge Coeur de Pigeon in French and yellow-orange varieties called Jaune Coeur de Pigeon. In France, Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes are sought by chefs and home cooks as a versatile ingredient in a wide array of sweet and savory, raw and cooked preparations.
Nutritional Value
Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes have not been studied for their nutritional properties. Tomatoes, in general, are a source of fiber that helps regulate digestion and contain vitamins A, C, E, and K, which aid faster wound healing, strengthen the immune system, maintain healthy organs, and protect cells against free radical damage. Tomatoes also provide varying amounts of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and calcium. These minerals help the body control nerve functions, balance fluid levels, support bone and tooth development, and produce the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream. The tomato’s pigmented coloring indicates the presence of lycopene, a naturally occurring carotenoid with antioxidant properties to protect overall bodily health.
Applications
Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes have a sweet flavor suited for fresh and cooked culinary preparations. The variety can be eaten whole, out of hand, and is often halved and tossed into green salads. Their small size makes them ideal for appetizer dishes, being served on crudité platters, skewered with fresh cheeses, or diced and used in salsa, toppings, and other fresh condiments. The tomatoes can be prepared quickly and are sometimes mixed into grain bowls, used as a taco garnish, or mixed with fresh herbs and olive oil for serving on bruschetta. One unique recipe promoted on commercial sites in France skewers the tomatoes, dips them in caramel, and sprinkles them with sesame seeds as a whimsical aperitif. In addition to fresh preparations, Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes are roasted to develop a tender, soft consistency, and this can be served with meat mains, incorporated into savory sauces, or topped over toast and pasta. Try pan-frying Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes as they cook quickly, and their sweetness is enhanced. The tomatoes are popularly cooked with fish, added to quiche, or used in stir-fries. In France, the variety is used to make clafoutis and savory tarte tatin. They are also simmered into jams and oven-dried or dehydrated for extended use. Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes pair well with herbs such as cilantro, rosemary, oregano, and parsley, as well as with meats such as beef, poultry, and pork. Fresh tomatoes should be stored at room temperature and will keep for 3 to 4 days in a ventilated space.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes translate from French to mean “Pigeon Heart.” The tomatoes were given this name for their distinct shape, being small, slightly elongated, and pointed at the non-stem end, resembling the anatomical heart of pigeons. In France, pigeons are widespread, and it was common throughout history for produce to be named after other familiar living things and objects. Another example of this is Coeur de Boeuf tomatoes, or Bull’s Heart, a well-known French heirloom variety still available in modern markets. It is thought that pigeons were introduced to France with the Roman conquerors, and the domesticated birds were prized for many years as a food source, messengers, and pets, before public opinion shifted against the escaped feral species now found in cities.
Geography/History
Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes are believed to be native to France. Much of the variety’s origins are unknown, and few academic sources cite its history. The available sources indicate that the tomatoes are considered an heirloom French variety, initially grown in home gardens. Tomatoes generally arrived in France in the 16th century, and over time, new varieties emerged through natural selection, eventually leading to the creation of Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes. Cherry-type tomatoes and other smaller cultivars became popular in France in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, and with this rise in demand, select commercial growers began promoting different varieties for retail sale. Another frequently mentioned fact in sources highlights that French seedsman Norbert Parreira contributed to the preservation and worldwide spread of Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes in 1992. Today, Coeur de Pigeon tomatoes are still grown in home gardens throughout France, sold in select fresh markets, and produced commercially by Prince de Bretagne and Saveol.
