Kara Market Paste Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Packet contains approximately ~ 25 seeds
Germination 97% Packed for 2026
The Kara Market Paste Tomato is a rare African heirloom that packs heat tolerance, disease resilience, and bold paste-friendly flavor into every pepper-shaped fruit. It's especially rewarding for gardeners in warm climates looking to grow an unusual, prolific tomato sauce with rich culinary potential.
Discovered at a local market in Kara, Togo, it was later shared regionally, becoming known for its robust heat tolerance and richness in flavor. This heirloom variety has been introduced into seed catalogs through African-focused seed savers and micro breeders (like South African and U.S. markets), it’s now celebrated as a rare paste tomato that thrives in warm, humid climates
Appearance & Characteristics:
With a similar to a pepper- or plum, and matures at 3–4″ (7–10 cm) long. The color is a deep, bright red when ripe. The flesh is dense, dry, with high pectin and a hint of spiciness—excellent for sauces with flavor this is considered rich and spicy.
Culinary Uses: Considered to be suitable for sauces, pastes, and canning—specialty tomato flavor with low moisture makes it ideal. Also suitable for soups, stews, or drying for sun-dried tomato bites. Its tight flesh helps concentrate flavors efficiently.
Growing Tips: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Provide full sun and this variety thrives in hot, humid climates—ideal for Southern gardens or greenhouses.
A support structure is recommended. As an indeterminate the vines require staking, cage support, or trellises. It is extremely productive even under high heat, humidity, and disease/pest pressures. Noted resistance to powdery mildew, red spider mite, and blossom-end rot.
Use well-draining loam enriched with compost; regular feeding supports prolific fruit set. Maintain even soil moisture; mulch to conserve water and reduce soil splash. Some resistance to mildew and mites, but remain vigilant—monitor for common tomato diseases.
Harvesting Guidance: Harvest when fruit is fully red and slightly soft to the touch. Regular picking encourages continued fruit production. Consume fresh or process quickly—densely fleshed tomatoes store well for short periods.
