Brad's Atomic Grape is a uniquely colorful tomato cultivar developed by Brad Gates of Wild Boar Farms in California. These indeterminate, large cherry to small plum-sized tomatoes have a psychedelic appearance, with stripes of purple, green, red, brown, and gold that change as the fruit ripens. They are valued for their striking looks, complex sweet and tangy flavor, and high productivity.
History
Breeder: Brad Gates, known as the "Willy Wonka" of tomato breeding, specializes in creating uniquely colored, flavorful tomatoes.
Development: He developed the Atomic Grape through open-pollinated crosses on his farm in Napa Valley.
Recognition: The variety won "Best in Show" at the National Heirloom Expo in 2017.
Popularity: It became a top-selling plant for Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds after its introduction.
Characteristics
Appearance: The oblong, grape to plum-sized fruits grow in clusters. As they ripen, the colors shift from lavender and purple stripes to a blend of technicolor olive-green, red, brown, and blue.
Flavor: The flavor is a balanced mix of sweet and tangy, with a juicy, fruity interior. The taste can vary depending on the ripeness, and some growers describe a mild acidity.
Texture: Fruits are notably crack-resistant and hold well on or off the vine. The skin can be slightly firm, and the flesh is meaty.
Plant: It is an indeterminate (vining) tomato, meaning it produces fruit throughout the season. It has wispy, delicate-looking foliage but is rugged and productive.