‘Thorburn’s Lemon-Blush’ is a delightful old American heirloom developed by Elbert Carman, a longtime editor of the Rural New Yorker Magazine. This variety was introduced in 1893 by J.M. Thorburn & Company of New York.* Thorburn changed the name to ‘Lemon Queen’ in the 1912 catalog. This tomato was nearly forgotten later on. Willliam Woys Weaver, the legendary seed saver, is responsible for saving this exceptional variety.
Semi-determinate regular leaf plant produces beefsteaks weighing 3-4oz./80-120g. The fruit is lemon-colored with a nice pink blush on the skin and flesh that is zesty with a nice citrusy flavor. Mid-season, about 75 days to maturity.

*J.M. Thorburn & Co. catalog in 1893: “THORBURN’S LEMON-BLUSH TOMATO. This is the nearest approach to a perfect Tomato that has been produced up to this time. The skin and flesh are a bright lemon-yellow, with a faint rose blush or light crimson tint diffused over a part of the surface opposite the stem. Its average size is larger than the Acme,” and in shape somewhat broader than deep-absolutely free of seams, lobes or irregularities. The seeds are notably small and few, the cell walls thick, tender, crystalline and melting-the quality being less acidic than that of the red varieties, yet without the insipidity which characterizes the yellow kinds in general. The plant is a vigorous grower, ripening its fruit abundantly in mid-season.”

Culinary Use

Slicer

Flavor Profile

Acidic

Flesh Color

Yellow

Fruit Color

Yellow

Fruit Shape

Oblate

Fruit Size

Small

Leaf Type

Regular

Maturity

Mid-season

Plant Type

Semi-Determinate

Species

Solanum lycopersicum

Variety

Heirloom / Open Pollinated