Yellow Pear Tomato

History

Yellow Pear is one of the oldest documented tomato varieties still in cultivation, with written references dating back to at least 1805 when it appeared in Bernard M'Mahon's "American Gardener's Calendar," one of the earliest comprehensive gardening guides published in the United States. The variety likely traces its origins even further back to 18th-century Europe, where yellow tomatoes were actually preferred over red ones—Europeans believed the golden fruits were safer to eat, as red was associated with poisonous nightshades. Thomas Jefferson grew yellow pear-shaped tomatoes at Monticello as early as 1789, making it one of the varieties present at the birth of American gardening. The distinctive pear shape has remained remarkably stable over more than two centuries of seed saving, a testament to both the variety's genetic stability and the dedication of countless gardeners who selected for true pear form. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Yellow Pear was primarily grown as an ornamental and for making preserves, as its mild flavor and low acidity made it ideal for sweet tomato conserves and jams. The variety experienced a renaissance during the heirloom tomato revival of the 1980s and 1990s, when gardeners rediscovered its charming appearance and exceptional productivity. Today, Yellow Pear remains beloved for its whimsical shape that delights children and its ability to produce hundreds of fruits per plant, often overwhelming gardeners with its generous harvest.