The term “heirloom” typically applies to fruits and vegetables. Heirloom is defined as “a horticultural variety that has survived for several generations usually due to the efforts of private individuals”. Heirlooms are hardy (quality) strains of older cultivars that are open pollinated. While there seems to be some disagreement how old a cultivar has to be to be referred to as “heirloom”, there is a general consensus that it should be older than the 1950’s which is when agribusiness began introducing the first inbred hybrid plants and seeds.


Heirlooms also tend to be more locally sustainable, they are adapted to their particular environment and have been for many, many generations. To me there is something really amazing to think that when I’m enjoying a particular heirloom fruit or vegetable, I’m enjoying basically the same food that we have enjoyed at the table for centuries. When you purchase heirloom cultivars and seeds you are preserving food heritage and sovereignty for future generations. You are also committing to sustainable food practices and a more viable food diversity.