Canne Torre Tomato Seeds

Canne Torre is a rare Italian heirloom tomato traditionally grown in the coastal region of Puglia, near the village of Torre Canne. Revered for its exceptional storage qualities, this small, round tomato has been cultivated for generations as a winter staple in southern Italian households. The fruit is modest in size—roughly one to one and a half inches across—with thick skin, firm flesh, and a distinctive pale red to pink hue that deepens with time. Its flavour is mildly acidic when fresh, but becomes richer and more concentrated as the fruit cures.

This variety is celebrated for its use as a long-keeper. At harvest, the tomatoes are picked with their stems attached and strung together in bunches, which are then hung in a dry, airy place. As the weeks pass, the skins wrinkle, but the fruit remains firm and full of flavour. In the Puglian tradition, these tomatoes are used throughout the winter months for making broths, rustic sauces, and simple dishes where preserved flavour matters most. One common saying from the region is that “a wrinkled hand makes the best broth,” a nod to both the tomato’s storability and the wisdom of old kitchen ways.

Canne Torre tomatoes grow on indeterminate vines and take about 75 days to reach maturity. They are highly adapted to dry, sandy soils and tolerate heat and salt well, reflecting the coastal conditions of their native environment. This variety is not only prized for its culinary merit and storage ability but also for its resilience and reliability in the garden. With proper curing, the fruit can be stored and used well into the winter months—no refrigeration required.

For growers interested in food security, traditional storage crops, or Mediterranean culinary heritage, Canne Torre is a beautiful and functional addition to the garden. Whether used fresh in late summer or slowly wrinkled and simmered into winter stews, this old-world tomato brings a taste of Puglia to the table.

These longkeeper tomato seeds are available directly from Garden Faerie Botanicals in the heart of British Columbia, Canada. The collection features heirloom and heritage seeds that are personally cultivated organically without the use of any chemicals. Emphasizing historical, rare, non-GMO seeds, this selection preserves biodiversity through open-pollination.