Heritage and Heirloom vegetables; what are they?

The terms 'heritage' and 'heirloom vegetables', can be used interchangeably. These terms describe vegetables being grown before large scale modern agriculture was implemented. They do not work successfully with modern agricultural techniques so are just not grown anymore.

Did you know that a study was conducted comparing vegetables in market 100 years ago with those being sold now? And they determined that over 96% of the variety from 100 years ago is now gone - many are extinct.

This is all due to modern farming techniques...if a tomato, for example, yields well and is a deep red color with a thick skin to protect against harvesting and transportation, why not breed more of these because they travel well and are easy to sell? It's too bad taste was bred out of them also. But they sure look pretty for the consumer...

Some of these heritage varieties have survived through the efforts of individuals patiently growing, saving and distributing seeds to others. These vegetables may not look as pretty as current marketed types but they have unique textures, colors and flavors and are well worth growing for yourself.

Seeds can be bought or traded for on several seed exchange and garden websites - and we are not just talking 'tomatoes'. Other heirloom varieties include lettuce, radishes, rhubarb, asparagus, corn, beans, squash, peas, just to mention a few. And do I need to mention that heritage varieties would grow extremely well in a hydroponics system? Well, they do!

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