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At its core, the term "heirloom seeds" refers to seeds that have been passed down through generations, cherished and cultivated for their unique traits, including hardiness, flavor, and productivity. While the exact definition can vary, there's a consensus that heirloom seeds are as close to their original forms as can be, having been saved and nurtured by farmers over time. Importantly, heirloom seeds are open-pollinated, meaning they are pollinated naturally by elements such as wind and wildlife, unlike GMO varieties that are manipulated through biotechnology.