Cinnamon Basil

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Position Full Sun
Height 1.2m
Width 50cm

Description

(Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon’)

A half-hardy annual with soft green foliage and highly fragrant flowers on an 18cm purple stem.

Flavours/Food Partners

Ginger, cloves, mint, lemon balm, other basil, lime, coconut. Most dishes where cinnamon is used, like apple sauces, apple-based salads, pork, pesto and chutneys.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

The highly fragrant flowers are excellent used fresh in salads and can be cut and used for freshening up a room. They will last for two weeks if the water is changed daily. If using in cooking, add just before serving as basil leaves break down quickly under heat. Harvest regularly, and you will get many months of production.

Landscaping/Planting

Prefers a well-drained, sunny position in the garden or in large pots. Can be kept on a sunny kitchen windowsill for easy access. It is a tender plant that needs to be kept warm.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Requires regular applications of Seasol and Powerfeed. Enjoys reasonably moist conditions. Remove flower stems prior to going to seed.

Herb Attributes

Position FULL SUN, FROST SENSITIVE
Height 60CM
Width 45CM