WHOLESALE ITALIAN CAMONE TOMATOES LONDON

Heritage

Camone tomatoes originate from Sardinia, specifically the Campidano plain where the variety has been cultivated for generations. The name “Camone” comes from the Sardinian word for “room” or “chamber,” referencing the traditional practice of storing these tomatoes in cool rooms where they could remain fresh for months. This remarkable keeping quality made Camone tomatoes essential to Sardinian households before modern refrigeration, providing fresh tomatoes well into winter when other varieties had long since spoiled.

The variety nearly disappeared during the late 20th century as commercial tomato cultivation favoured high-yielding hybrid varieties bred for uniformity and transport resilience rather than flavour or traditional storage characteristics. Only a handful of Sardinian farmers continued growing Camone, maintaining the variety through seed-saving and small-scale cultivation rooted in family tradition. Recent revival efforts by slow food advocates and heritage vegetable enthusiasts have brought Camone back from near extinction.

What makes wholesale Italian Camone tomatoes truly special is their unique ripening behaviour. Unlike conventional tomatoes that soften and deteriorate after harvest, Camone tomatoes continue ripening slowly while maintaining firm texture. The flavour actually intensifies over time, with sugars concentrating and acidity balancing to create increasingly complex taste. This characteristic stems from the variety’s thick skin and dense flesh that resist breakdown while allowing continued enzymatic development.

Sardinian cultivation follows traditional methods passed through generations. Farmers plant Camone in coastal areas where Mediterranean climate and sea breezes create ideal growing conditions. The tomatoes are harvested when they reach “breaker” stage—just beginning to turn from green to pink—allowing them to complete ripening during storage and transport. This harvesting practice, combined with the variety’s natural longevity, means Camone tomatoes arrive in London kitchens in exceptional condition.

Nutritional Profile

Your health-conscious diners will appreciate what wholesale Italian Camone tomatoes bring to the table:

• Extremely high in lycopene – the powerful antioxidant with cardiovascular benefits
• Rich in vitamin C – supporting immune function and collagen production
• Good source of vitamin A – from beta-carotene supporting eye health
• Contains potassium – regulating blood pressure and heart function
• Provides vitamin K – essential for blood clotting and bone health
• High in antioxidants – including flavonoids with anti-inflammatory properties
• Low in calories – approximately 18 calories per 100g

The dense flesh and concentrated flavour mean wholesale Italian Camone tomatoes deliver more tomato essence per serving, maximizing nutritional value while reducing water content that dilutes flavour in conventional varieties.

Chef’s Corner

Camone tomatoes deliver intense, sweet tomato flavour with balanced acidity and complex umami notes that develop and deepen over time. The texture is remarkably firm with dense flesh and minimal seed cavities, creating satisfying substance in both raw and cooked applications. When sourcing wholesale Italian Camone tomatoes, look for firm specimens with characteristic slightly flattened round shape, smooth skin showing pink to red colour depending on ripeness stage, and good weight indicating the dense flesh that defines quality.

Here’s how London chefs are making the most of this Sardinian treasure:

Raw Applications:

• Slice thickly for caprese salads where firm texture and intense flavour shine
• Dice for bruschetta and crostini where flesh holds shape without weeping
• Cut into wedges for composed salads with the dense texture providing substance
• Use in panzanella where firmness prevents excessive juice release
• Serve as standalone tomato course with quality olive oil and sea salt

Cooked Applications:

• Roast halves or quarters concentrating already intense flavour
• Make slow-cooked sauces where concentrated flavour reduces cooking time
• Confit in olive oil creating luxurious preserved tomatoes
• Grill for smoky, caramelised preparations
• Bake into tarts and focaccia where firm flesh maintains structure

Preparation Tips: Camone tomatoes can be stored at room temperature for weeks, actually improving in flavour. Unlike conventional tomatoes, don’t refrigerate unless fully ripe and you need to halt ripening. The thick skin is entirely edible but can be removed after blanching if desired for refined preparations. The minimal seed cavities mean more usable flesh per tomato. The dense texture means they release less liquid when cut, valuable for preparations where excess moisture is problematic. Understanding these characteristics helps you maximize the value of your wholesale Italian Camone tomatoes order.

Complementary Ingredients

Building dishes around wholesale Italian Camone tomatoes? These pairings work brilliantly:

• Fresh mozzarella and burrata – classic Italian combinations showcasing tomato quality
• Basil and oregano – herbs that complement without overwhelming
• Quality olive oil – allowing tomato flavour to shine through
• Aged balsamic – sweetness and acidity harmonizing with tomato character
• Anchovies and capers – traditional southern Italian pairings adding umami
• Garlic – used judiciously to enhance rather than dominate
• Bread – from bruschetta to panzanella celebrating Italian traditions
• White beans – Tuscan-style combinations with tomatoes and herbs

We can coordinate your entire Italian ingredient order when you buy wholesale Italian Camone tomatoes from Rushtons.

Wholesale Italian Camone Tomatoes from Rushtons

As one of the most distinctive and valuable heirloom tomato varieties in our wholesale range, Italian Camone tomatoes help you create dishes with exceptional flavour while providing kitchen flexibility through their remarkable shelf life. We work with Sardinian growers who maintain traditional cultivation methods that preserve this variety’s unique characteristics.

What makes ordering wholesale Italian Camone tomatoes from Rushtons the right choice?

• Authentic Sardinian Camone from traditional growing regions
• Exceptional shelf life improving with age rather than deteriorating
• Intense, concentrating flavour superior to conventional varieties
• Firm texture maintaining integrity in various preparations
• Expert guidance on storage and optimal usage timing
• Perfect coordination with other Italian ingredients
• Six-day-a-week delivery across London

Often called “the wine of tomatoes” for how they improve with age, wholesale Italian Camone tomatoes bring sophistication to menus when tomato quality matters more than convenience.

Browse our fresh produce wholesale collection to explore our complete range of Italian heirloom vegetables and specialty produce.

Ring us to check wholesale Italian Camone tomatoes availability and pricing. This is specialty Sardinian produce with limited cultivation, so advance ordering ensures access to these remarkable tomatoes. We deliver throughout London six days a week, bringing you distinctive Italian ingredients that elevate your cooking. The Guardian celebrates heirloom varieties like Camone as essential ingredients for chefs seeking authentic Italian flavour and exceptional quality.