(80 days. Heirloom. INDETERMINATE) This large beefsteak fruit is very meaty with few seeds. It has a spicy flavor and low acidity. The taste starts off mild and then builds, with a long finish on the palate. It has a roasted, fruity and slightly salty flavor. This tomato was developed by M.C. Byles (went by Charlie) of Logan, West Virginia in the 1930’s. Charlie owned a radiator repair shop and had no plant breeding experience – this tomato was the only breeding work he ever did. Charlie took 10 tomatoes and put them in a circle with a German Johnson tomato in the center. He collected pollen from the 10 outer tomatoes in a baby’s ear syringe and then squirted it on the flowers of the German Johnson. After seven years he had a stable tomato with the qualities he wanted. He was a good marketer and sold his seedlings for $1 each. After 6 years he was able to pay off the $6,000 mortgage on his house. This tomato’s story has helped keep the strain alive. (As noted in the “Ark of Taste” from “Slow Food U.S.A.”)