Description
Originally hailing from the Krym (Crimea) region, this heirloom is prized for its dusky, plum-like appearance and a flavour profile that is often described as “wine-like.”
Purple Ukraine is a standout “black” plum tomato variety that produces elongated fruits. Don’t let the name fool you—it isn’t a bright royal purple, but rather a deep, moody mahogany with olive-green shoulders. The flesh is notably dark and meaty, containing fewer seeds than your average salad tomato, which gives it a rich, dense texture that melts in the mouth.
Coming from a region with erratic temperature swings, Purple Ukraine is surprisingly well-adapted to the British “summer.”
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Resilience: This variety is known for being quite hardy. It can handle the slightly cooler nights we often get here in the UK during June and July better than most.
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Support the trusses: It is a prolific producer. The fruits often grow in heavy clusters (trusses). Because the fruits are “meaty” and heavy, ensure your garden twine or stakes are reinforced to prevent the main stem from bowing.
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The Colour Change: In the UK sun, the shoulders of the tomato may stay green even when the bottom is deep purple. This is normal! To check for ripeness, feel the bottom of the fruit; if it has a slight “give” like a ripe avocado, it’s ready to harvest.
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Blight Watch: Like many heirlooms, it appreciates good ventilation. If growing in a greenhouse, keep the doors and vents open throughout the day to prevent the “damp” air that leads to late-summer blight.
Usage & Culinary Notes
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The Sauce King: Because of its low seed count and high “meat” content, this is arguably the best variety for a thick, dark, and rich pasta sauce. It lacks the watery run-off of red tomatoes.
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Artisanal Drying: If we get a lucky UK heatwave, slice these lengthwise and dry them. Their smoky sweetness intensifies, making them a gourmet alternative to standard sun-dried tomatoes.
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Pairing: Its complex, savory-sweet profile pairs beautifully with strong flavours like goat’s cheese, smoked salt, or a peppery rocket salad.
