DESTER. An indeterminate, high-yielding variety rightfully considered a true giant among pink tomatoes. In open ground, plants can reach up to 2 meters in height, and in greenhouses, they easily exceed that, requiring staking and pruning. This variety demands space and care but generously rewards the grower with an abundant harvest. The fruits are massive, uniform, heart-rounded pink giants, weighing between 400 and 800 grams, and can reach up to 1 kg under ideal growing conditions.

Slightly ribbed near the stem, without green shoulders, they have an attractive and appetizing appearance. The skin is thin and nearly unnoticeable when eaten fresh, yet firm enough for clean slicing. The flesh is incredibly meaty, buttery-smooth, richly pink in color, with minimal seed cavities.

Seeds are very few, making Dester perfect for sauces, juice, ketchup, and for those who appreciate a “pure,” pulp-rich tomato experience. Flavor is refined and intense — sweet with a light, refreshing acidity that gives the taste depth and character. The aroma is subtle, pleasant, and emphasizes the fruit’s natural freshness.

VARIETY HISTORY

Dester is not just a tomato — it's a true heirloom legend with an interesting origin story. Originally developed and cultivated in Germany, the variety was brought to the United States by the ancestors of Dr. Dester, in whose honor it is named. In the 1970s, Dr. Dester gave some seeds to his housekeeper, an Amish woman named Anna. She passed some of them to a Missouri farmer, where the variety gained popularity.

Later, it was introduced into the Seed Savers Exchange catalog and officially recognized as an heirloom variety, passed down through generations while retaining its unique characteristics. On international tomato websites and forums, Dester receives only the highest ratings from both professionals and amateurs. Ideal for salads, fresh consumption, and gourmet dishes, it is widely regarded as one of the best pink tomatoes in the world thanks to its outstanding flavor and texture.