What People Mean When They Say Heirloom

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A lot of times, if you cook a lot, or if you go to your local farmer’s market, you will hear the world heirloom being thrown around. But, what does it really mean? Heirloom generally means that the seed from which the plant has grown has not been commercialized and is at least 50 years old. Some people say that any seed that came before 1950 is an heirloom because that is the time when companies started making hybrid produce.

What’s The Difference?

Compared to the vegetables you find at your grocery store, heirloom produce has not only been produced from older, purer seeds, but it is also pollinated differently. Heirloom produce gets pollinated naturally by insects, birds, and wind, which creates a completely nature environment from which to thrive.

Taste

The taste of heirloom produce is known to be better for many reasons. Since they are normally only produced during their season, the elements help create the most original and pure form of the flavor instead of being pushed to grow all year round like most grocery store products are. This results in juicier, fresher tasting produce that although is more expensive, is worth it when you get a taste of any heirloom product.