An estimated 13 million viewers tuned in to watch Food Network’s Ciao House this summer, so I know I wasn’t the only one who caught the enthusiasm for all things related to Italian cuisine—including, obviously, tomatoes.

Some truly extraordinary tomato varieties originated in Italy, and they’re a great way to bring a touch of Italy into our American gardens. Let’s look at a few!

COSTOLOTO FIORENTINO

I love this one so much and have grown it for years. This heirloom variety originated in Florence and the fruits are large and ribbed (the name roughly translates to ribbed tomato from Florence) and the plants are impressively productive. Its cousin, Costoluto Genovese, is another excellent variety and quite similar to Costoluto Fiorentino, except that Costoluto Genovese originally hailed from Genoa, Italy. (I haven’t grown Costoluto Genovese yet, but you can be sure that when I do, I’ll also grow Genovese basil along with it because of course I would totally do that.

ITALIAN HEIRLOOM

It’s hard to get more straightforward than its name: Italian heirloom, but this is definitely not an ordinary tomato. This variety is known for its flavor (it won the tomato tasting in 2012 at Seed Savers Exchange) and its productivity. Plus the tomatoes are large and lovely, making them an excellent choice for any garden.

SAN MARZANO

This is a lovely, classic roma-type tomato and it’s well-loved for its productivity and quality. It’s a delicious sauce tomato and is quite popular—and it’s a nice way to round out the Italian tomato varieties in your garden.

CUORE DI BUE

This tomato’s name, Cuore di Bue, is Italian for “ox heart” and that refers to the unique shape of this variety, which resembles, apparently, an ox’s heart. It’s another beautiful sauce-type variety that is a delight to add to your favorite recipes.

ROSSO SICILIAN

So beautiful! This is a ribbed tomato with brilliant coloring and the story is that it was brought to the United States in the late 1980s from Sicily. This is a determinate variety, so if you’re looking to grow tomatoes in a smaller space (or you want your plant to set its fruit at one time), this is a beautiful and delicious option.

Now, let’s fast-forward ahead to the day you begin harvesting these delicious tomatoes. Which recipes will you make first? An authentic margherita pizza made with San Marzano tomato sauce? Or how about pappa al Pomodoro made with Costoluto Fiorentino tomatoes? Or maybe a simple-but-stunning caprese salad featuring Cuore di Bue? Or will you mix and match your favorite varieties in a hearty lasagna or spaghetti?

Enjoy!

Samantha Johnson is the author of several books, including Vegetable Gardening for Beginners: Learn to Grow Anything No Matter Where You Live (New Shoe Press, 2023). She writes frequently about pets, gardening and farm life. Visit her online portfolio at http://samanthajohnson.contently.com.