Description
If Amish Paste is the king of sauces and Green Zebra is the tangy rebel, Orange Banana is the sweet, fruity dessert of the tomato patch. This unusual heirloom variety is a joy to grow, producing trusses of cheerful, elongated fruits that look more like miniature peppers or bananas than traditional tomatoes.
Orange Banana is beloved not just for its unique, elongated shape, but for its incredible flavour. It possesses a remarkably sweet, almost tropical or apricot-like profile with very low acidity, setting it apart from the sharp tang of traditional red varieties. The flesh is thick, meaty, and substantial with few seeds, making it a versatile favourite for chefs looking to add a splash of unexpected colour and sweetness to a dish. Excellent for salads and cooking.
UK Growing Tips
To get that characteristic intense sweetness, Orange Banana needs a bit of warmth and care in the British climate.
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Heat Seeker: While it can be grown outdoors in a prime, sheltered, south-facing spot in southern England, this variety truly excels in a greenhouse or polytunnel. The extra heat helps develop its complex, fruity sugars.
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Staking is Essential: As a vigorous indeterminate “vine” variety, it will grow tall and needs sturdy support. Tie the main stem in regularly and be prepared to support heavy trusses of fruit with soft twine to prevent snapping.
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Pinch Out for Success: To ensure the plant focuses its energy on ripening its unique fruit before the autumn chill arrives, be diligent about removing side shoots. It’s also wise to stop the plant’s growth by pinching out the main tip in late summer after 4-5 nice trusses have set.
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Feed the Flavour: A regular liquid tomato feed high in potassium is crucial once the first fruit has set. This isn’t just for yield; it directly impacts the intensity of its unique colour and sweet flavour.
Usage & Culinary Notes
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Sweet, Vibrant Sauces: It cooks down into an incredible, glowing orange sauce that is naturally sweet, often requiring no added sugar—a guaranteed hit with kids and a striking visual on a plate.
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“Sun-Dried” Gold: Like other paste types, it has a low water content and dries beautifully. The dried slices look like golden jewels and have an intense sweet flavour.
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The Salad Brightener: Slice them into rounds or wedges to add a pop of bright tangerine colour and a mild, sweet crunch to green salads.
