*Note: Prices good at all four Oliver’s Market locations 9/9-15, 2026.

What makes a tomato an Heirloom Tomato?

In any fruit or vegetable species, these are older breeds that have been consciously collected and preserved instead of disappearing from our food landscape. Seeds are collected and planted each year, so their DNA is not manipulated for mass production. They are not bred for easy transport or uniformity, often at the expense of flavor, and are left to be their quirky, unique ‘selves’.

We love Heirloom tomatoes for their array of vibrant colors, unique shapes, thin skin, juicy flesh and tons of flavor. For those of a certain age, Heirloom Tomato varieties taste the way that all tomatoes once tasted. They are captivating and delicious – a feast for the senses!

All Heirloom Tomatoes are not created equal, however. As with any other popular item, there are impostors, flavorless but colorful tomatoes bred to look like Heirlooms. Knowing where and how your tomatoes are grown is key to avoiding disappointment.

All Heirloom tomatoes carried by Oliver’s are of top quality, but when locally grown Heirlooms are coming only a few miles to market during their peak season, we are thrilled to bring our customers the best of the best to enjoy!

Meet the Heirlooms

Within the Heirloom tomato category are countless varieties. We have clustered some of the most popular types by color in this chart, along with some notes on their outstanding characteristics. Within the world of Heirlooms, you will find that there is diversity in the areas of flesh to seed ratio; flavor, which can range from mild to bold and from earthy to tropical; as well as the balance or acidity and ‘sweetness’. The average size, color, skin thickness, and ease of slicing also vary among the types.

Heirloom Tomato Selection and Enjoyment

When you purchase your Heirlooms, touch them gently to assess ripeness. If you plan to use them the same day, opt for slightly soft selections; if you are keeping them for a day on your counter, you can select slightly firmer tomatoes. Room temperature is best for these beauties, but if you must refrigerate them, allow time for a return to room temperature before serving.

Heirloom tomatoes are best enjoyed with simple enhancements, which allow for their full beauty and flavor to shine. Check out our Recipes page for all kinds of great ideas for maximum enjoyment!

New to the line-up this year are the Heirloom Tomato Sandwich Three Ways, which includes the Heirloom Tomato BLT, Heirloom Tomato Grilled Cheese, and Classic Heirloom Tomato Sandwich.

If those recipes are of interest, these featured items will be, too!

• Costeaux French Bakery Sourdough Boule, 1 Lb. Loaf, $4.99 LOCAL
• Journeyman Meat Co. Apple Juice Smoked Nitrate Free Bacon, $12.99/Lb.
• Local Organic Little Gem Lettuce, Grown by Longer Table in Santa Rosa via F.E.E.D Cooperative, $1.99/ea.
• Clover Sonoma Sliced Cheese, Selected Varieties, 8oz package, $3.99, REV
• Clover Sonoma Shredded Cheese, Selected Varieties, 8oz package, $3.99, REV
• Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayonnaise, 12 oz. Jar, $8.49, REV

Next up is our Heirloom Tomato Burrata Caprese, which brings you the peak summer on a plate!

Create the perfect Caprese with these featured ingredients:

• Fresh Bunched Basil – TBD
• Angelo & Franco Burrata, 8oz container, $6.99, REV
• Oliver’s Own Estate Finishing Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 500ml bottle, $17.99
• Oliver’s Own Balsamic Vinegar, 250ml bottle, $7.99

Something new to try this year is our Heirloom Tomato Carbonara, a rich yet vibrant summer pasta that celebrates simple ingredients at their absolute best.

Save on these key ingredients this week at Oliver’s:

• Locatelli Pecorino Romano, $19.99/Lb.
• Uncle Eddies Extra Large Eggs, 12pk carton, $3.29
• Montebello Organic Pasta, 16oz package, $2.99
• True Story Heritage Breed Diced Uncured Pancetta, 4oz package, $5.49, REV

We are excited about this Heirloom Tomato & White Bean Salad with Feta & Olives, a fresh, colorful salad that brings together peak-season heirloom tomatoes alongside creamy white beans, briny olives, and tangy feta. Yum!

Grab these key ingredients along with your tomatoes and you are ready to go!

• Organic Persian Cucumbers, Grown by Divine in Mexico, $1.99/lb.
• S&W Cannellini Beans, 15oz can, 4 for $5
• Italian Sweet Red Onions, Grown by Pam Pak & Sweet D Farms in Fresno, CA, $1.49/lb., REV
• Bulgarian Feta, $9.99/lb.
• Oliver’s Own Balsamic Vinegar, 250ml bottle, $7.99
• Organicville Organic Mustard, Selected Varieties, 12oz bottle, $2.79, REV

This is a fun twist on the classic: An Heirloom Tomato Bloody Mary might be just what you need! Everyone’s favorite brunchtime cocktail bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors for a uniquely delicious and visually stunning drink.

We have special pricing on everything you need to put it together!

• Oliver’s Own Vodka, 750ml Bottle, $16.99+CRV
• Lemons, Grown in California and Chile, 2 for $1
• Organic Celery, Grown in Watsonville by Tomatero and Josie’s, $1.99/ea.
• Beaver Brand Cream Horseradish, 12oz squeeze bottle, $2.99
• Tabasco Brand Pepper Sauce, 5oz bottle, $3.29

Last, but definitely not least, how about a fresh Heirloom Tomato Salsa? This zesty salsa bursting with vibrant flavors of jalapenos, white onions, cilantro, lime, and a hint of spice, is perfect for your next party.

Here are the featured ingredients for this delicious recipe:

• (Cilantro, Jalapeno, Lime – TBD)
• Hass Avocados, Grown by Del Rey “Morro Bay”, $1.49/ea.
• Italian Sweet Red Onions, Grown by Pam Pak & Sweet D Farms in Fresno, CA, $1.49/lb., REV
• Morenita Tortilla Chips, Selected Varieties, 12-14oz bag, $3.99, REV

The Minimalist Approach: Just remember that you don’t need to have a recipe to enjoy our bounty of local Heirloom Tomatoes. If that all sounds like too much effort for you, or you just want to cut to the chase, simply eat out of hand or slice and serve with Kosher salt and cracked pepper, and perhaps a bit of good Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar.

Preserving the Moment: Have more Heirlooms than you can eat, or want to enjoy their deliciousness long after the season has passed? Don’t forget that these delicious tomatoes can be dehydrated or frozen, and canned as sauce or whole tomatoes, or salsa. They are versatile and preserve-able!

Additional Accompaniments For Heirloom Tomatoes

We have more Heirloom-friendly ingredients on this week’s ad, so check them out as you plan your own celebration of this short but delicious season:

• Hanna Sauvignon Blanc, 2025 Russian River Valley, 750ml Bottle, $16.99+CRV
• Chateau de La Roche Toraine Sauvignon Blanc, 2024 France, 750ml Bottle, $9.99+CRV
• Cafaggio Toscana Sangiovese, 2023 Italy, 750ml Bottle, $9.99+CRV
• La Crema Pinot Noir, 2023 Monterey, 750ml Bottle, $15.99+CRV
• Oliver’s Own Infused Olive Oils, Selected Varieties, 250ml Bottle, $11.99
• Caputo Tip “00” Pizza Flour, 2.2 lb. Package, $3.49
• Angelo & Franco Fresh Mozzarella, 8 oz. Package, $4.99
• Bellwether Farms Basket Ricotta, $6.99/ea.
• Oliver’s Kitchen Pesto Sauce, 8 oz Container, $5.99
• Chatham Village Croutons, 5oz bag, $1.99
• Briannas Salad Dressing, Selected Varieties, 12oz bottle, $2.49

Local Heirloom Tomato season will come and go before you know it, so plan to take advantage of this delicious bounty ASAP!