Saint Vincent de Paul / Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) A rare, beautiful and delicious tomato variety from the French commune of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne in the Ain department in Eastern France about 60km northwest of Lyon. This heirloom tomato is named in honor of Saint Vincent de Paul. Saint Vincent de Paul was born in 1581 in Gascony, France and was called to the priesthood early in life. He was ordained in 1600 and shortly after he was on a ship in the Mediterranean sea which was attacked by Barbary pirates. He was kidnapped and enslaved in Tunis for two years before escaping bondage and returning to France. For a short time after returning to France de Paul was the parish priest in the village of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne at the church (pictured) which today bears his name. Saint Vincent eventually made his way to Paris and founded the Daughters of Charity. This organization revolutionized social outreach in 17th-century France by organizing systematic, hands-on care for the poor, the sick, and marginalized individuals. His legacy lives on today in the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul which operates charities around the globe and helps thousands of individuals each year. The commune of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne built a covered timber market in the town square in the 1400's. This outdoor market stands today and hosts dozens of local farmers every Saturday morning. The market has been voted one of the best in France and farmers sell succulent sausages, amazing fruits and vegetables and even live farm animals. While visiting the market (pictured) we connected with a farmer, Yannick, who we met online years ago. It was wonderful to connect with Yannick and his family and to see his amazing produce that he grows about half an hour from the town. Yannick gave us the seed of this amazing tomato variety (and let us sample the tomatoes!) and told us that it is a regional variety that has been grown for over a hundred years in the region and is named after their most famous resident, Saint Vincent de Paul. The fruits range from about 8-12 oz. and have beautiful pleats. The shoulders of the tomato are generally a little dark and the flesh is dense and sweet with a medium acid. If you like Old-Time tomato flavor, this is a great variety for you! (Indeterminate) We will donate ALL profits from the Saint Vincent de Paul tomato to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul to help them continue their mission and ministry of providing face-to-face aid to anyone in need. (Approximately 20 seeds per packet) Germination Rate: All of our seed varieties exceed 80% germination and are re-tested every 6 months. Planting Instructions: We recommend starting tomato seeds indoors in a bright and warm location 4 to 6 weeks before last frost date in spring. Transplant after danger of frost in full sun and trellis.