There is a diverse range of tomato varieties that continues to expand each year. This includes unique options like the orange accordion tomato, round robin, and various types of black tomatoes, such as the Black Beauty. Growing tomatoes has become increasingly exciting.
In 2012, plant breeders at OSU developed the Indigo Rose tomato, which contains high levels of purple pigments in its fruits. Subsequently, breeders have used natural plant breeding methods to create additional purple and black varieties.
In This Article
Black Beauty Tomatoes: Discover the Exquisite Black Tomato Variety for Your Garden
This article provides information on the Black Beauty tomato, including growing tips and facts that also apply to other dark-skinned tomato varieties. Let’s begin.
What Makes Them Black?
- The black beauty tomato gets its deep color from anthocyanin, which are purple pigments that act as antioxidants. Blueberries also have high levels of anthocyanin, which gives them their blue color.
- This specific type of tomatoes is commonly referred to as “Antho” tomatoes due to their high anthocyanin levels. They come in various shapes and sizes, making for an impressive sight in gardens.
- Anthocyanins in black beauty tomatoes become activated when exposed to light, resulting in a purple or almost black color. Lack of direct sunlight or shading by leaves can prevent the development of the purple pigment.
- Black tomatoes may appear redder in acidic soil and bluer-purple in alkaline soil. However, it’s important to note that tomatoes thrive in slightly acidic soil and may not do well with a pH above 7.0.
- The Black Beauty tomato variety is considered a tasty slicing tomato with balanced sugar and acid levels. The deep, black color of the tomatoes, which is due to anthocyanins, does not affect the flavor negatively as they are mostly flavorless. It is recommended to wait until the tomatoes are fully ripe before harvesting.
How Do You Know When Black Tomatoes Are Ripe?
- The ripening process of typical tomato varieties involves a color change from green to red or yellow, which is a clear indicator for harvesting. However, black tomato varieties may require a more careful approach.
- Black tomatoes are considered to be fully ripe when the blue-purple color turns into a deeper, reddish-purple tone. Additionally, the tomato will become noticeably softer, and the underside of the fruit might change from green to a deep red color.
- Anthocyanins are stimulated by sunlight, causing the underside of unripe black tomatoes to stay green. Monitor the coloration of the bottom of your black beauty tomatoes during the season to see if they change from green to a dark red when they are mature.
- To determine if a tomato is ready for harvesting, gently squeeze it while it is still on the plant. If it feels stiff, it is likely not yet ripe. Ripe tomatoes also undergo color changes and soften.
Black Beauty Tomato Seeds
There are various options for purchasing tomato seeds on the internet. A trustworthy source for heirloom types is Rare Seeds, which offers the black beauty tomato.
Find black beauty tomato seeds:
- Rare seeds
- Renaissance Farms
- HR Seeds
- Wild Boar Farms
Due to its distinctive characteristics, this type of tomato has gained significant popularity, resulting in its seeds being sold out in some stores, particularly in the latter part of spring.
One option for obtaining tomato seeds is to save them from a fresh tomato purchased at a store. This can be a cost-effective way to acquire unique seed varieties. If black beauty is an heirloom variety, saving the seeds should result in the same type of tomatoes.
Whole Foods offers a selection of heirloom tomatoes at affordable prices. This provides both the opportunity to enjoy a fresh tomato for consumption and obtain seeds for cultivation. It is advisable to consider purchasing organic produce.
Are Purple Tomatoes Safe to Eat?
While some antioxidants are recognized as beneficial for human health, further research may be necessary to determine the potential advantages of anthocyanins. At present, there is no known evidence suggesting that purple or black tomatoes pose any risks.
Anthocyanins are present in high concentrations in blueberries, which are considered to be a safe and healthy food. Additionally, fresh black beauty tomatoes can be purchased from select specialty markets, indicating that they have been approved for sale on a larger scale.
Research suggests that purple-black tomatoes, such as the black beauty tomato, may be equally or more nutritious than red tomatoes. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of anthocyanins for humans.
Black Beauty Tomatoes: It Branches & Features:
1. Origin: Heirloom variety
Black Beauty Tomatoes are an heirloom variety, which means they have been passed down through generations due to their valued characteristics. Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated, meaning they are pollinated naturally by birds, insects, wind, or human hands. No genetic modification is involved in their growth and reproduction.
2. Color: Dark purple to black
One of the most striking features of Black Beauty Tomatoes is their color. They are one of the darkest tomatoes available, with a color that ranges from dark purple to almost black. This unique color is due to high levels of anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that is also found in blueberries and blackberries.
3. Taste: Rich and smoky
Black Beauty Tomatoes are known for their rich and smoky flavor. They have a unique taste that is often described as complex and multi-layered, with a balance of sweetness and acidity. The smoky undertones add a depth of flavor that makes these tomatoes stand out in any dish.
4. Size: Large beefsteak type
Black Beauty Tomatoes are a large beefsteak type, which means they are bigger and meatier than many other tomato varieties. They are perfect for slicing and using in sandwiches or salads, and their large size makes them a great choice for stuffing.
5. Growth: Indeterminate growth habit
These tomatoes have an indeterminate growth habit, which means they continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season until killed by frost. This can result in a more extended harvest period compared to determinate varieties, which produce all their fruit at once.
6. Sunlight: Full sun exposure
Like most tomato varieties, Black Beauty Tomatoes require full sun exposure to grow well. They need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. The more sun they get, the more fruit they will produce.
7. Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
Black Beauty Tomatoes prefer well-drained, fertile soil. They benefit from soil rich in organic matter, and they need good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots. Regular watering and feeding will help these tomatoes thrive and produce a bountiful harvest.
In the years following 2012, breeders have conducted cross pollination experiments with various black tomato varieties, leading to the creation of numerous distinctive types of black tomatoes that can be cultivated.
It should be noted that some of the newer varieties are still being developed, which can result in unstable plants and fruits. For those interested in growing unknown varieties, it may be worth exploring what is currently in development, such as F2, F3, and so on.
These are some of the options available today.
1. Indigo Rose Tomatoes
The Indigo Rose tomato was bred by OSU in 2012 as the first of its kind. Breeders aimed for high levels of antioxidants in the fruit, resulting in a medium productivity cherry type tomato with a purplish black color and great flavor.
2. Blue Beauty Tomatoes
The blue beauty tomato is similar in shape and size to the black beauty. It has a stunning indigo hue and deep red inner flesh. These jumbo tomatoes can weigh up to 8 oz. and are great for slicing. Consider adding some unique color to your tomato garden this year by trying out the blue beauty instead of the old beefsteak varieties.
3. Amethyst Jewel Tomatoes
These are medium-sized tomatoes that belong to the black tomato type. They weigh between 3-7 oz. and are known to be highly productive. They are indeterminate, which means they will keep producing fruits until the cold weather arrives in late fall, just like the black beauty.
Black Beauty Tomatoes: Some Noticeable Facts
- Black Beauty Tomatoes are known for their unique, nearly black color, which is due to high levels of anthocyanins, potent antioxidants.
- Eating Black Beauty Tomatoes offers a distinct flavor profile, combining sweet, smoky, and salty flavors, making them a foodies’ favorite.
- Beyond taste, the deep pigmented foliage and fruit of Black Beauty Tomatoes add an exotic aesthetic to any garden, exemplifying the Beauty in their name.
- The unique color of these Black Tomatoes isn’t a result of artificial dye. It’s entirely natural, stemming from the tomato’s genetic makeup.
- Black Beauty Tomatoes are not just visually appealing, but also rich in nutrients, packing high amounts of vitamins A and C, further justifying the benefits of Eating Black Beauty Tomatoes.
- In terms of growth, these tomatoes take about 80-90 days to reach maturity, making them a rewarding challenge for gardening enthusiasts.
- Black Beauty Tomatoes contribute significantly to biodiversity, as their cultivation adds to the wide variety of tomato species, promoting genetic diversity in our food supply.
- Gourmet chefs often use these Black Tomatoes due to their unique color and flavor, leading to a rise in their popularity in high-end cooking.
- Their dark hue intensifies with more sunlight, adding to the enchanting beauty of the Black Beauty Tomatoes.
- Not just for eating, Black Beauty Tomatoes are also popular for canning purposes due to their robust flavor and high antioxidant content.
- Despite their exotic appearance and flavor, Black Beauty Tomatoes grow well in traditional garden settings, just like their red counterparts.
- Black Beauty Tomatoes are an heirloom variety, meaning they’re open-pollinated and their seeds can produce plants with similar characteristics for generations.
- Eating Black Beauty Tomatoes has been associated with potential health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced risk of certain types of cancer, due to their high antioxidant content.
- Black Beauty Tomatoes are also perfect for container gardening, making them a versatile option for urban growers or those with limited space.
- These Black Tomatoes have gained significant attention on social media platforms, with gardeners and food enthusiasts sharing pictures and recipes, thereby contributing to their rising popularity.
- Black Beauty Tomatoes are no ordinary tomatoes. Their dark color, almost black in some cases, makes them a unique standout, and this color intensifies when exposed to more sunlight, emphasizing the “beauty” in their name.
- Eating Black Beauty Tomatoes is like treating your taste buds to a gourmet feast. These tomatoes offer a complex blend of sweet, smoky, and salty flavors, adding an unexpected twist to any dish.
- The benefits of Black Beauty Tomatoes extend beyond their exciting taste and striking appearance. These tomatoes are loaded with potent antioxidants like anthocyanins, making them a nutrient-rich choice for the health-conscious.
- These Black Tomatoes are not the result of genetic modification or artificial coloring. Their unique shade is a natural trait, inherited from their parent varieties. This fact reinforces the “natural beauty” these tomatoes offer.
- Growing Black Beauty Tomatoes in your garden is an adventurous endeavor. It typically takes between 80 to 90 days for these plants to mature, but the wait is certainly worth it when you’re rewarded with these beautiful, delicious tomatoes.
- For those who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, Black Beauty Tomatoes are a chef’s dream. They are not just visually striking but also bring a unique flavor profile to a variety of dishes, from salads to sauces.
- Interestingly, the popularity of Black Beauty Tomatoes has soared in recent years. On social media platforms and gardening blogs, tomato lovers rave about these unique black beauties, showcasing their cultivation journeys and inventive recipes.
FAQs About Black Beauty Tomatoes
What are Black Beauty Tomatoes?
Black Beauty Tomatoes are a type of tomato variety known for their dark, almost black color. They are rich in antioxidants and have a slightly sweet flavor.
How do Black Beauty Tomatoes differ from regular tomatoes?
Black Beauty Tomatoes differ from regular tomatoes in terms of their color and taste. While regular tomatoes are typically red or yellow, Black Beauty Tomatoes have a dark, blackish hue. They also have a slightly sweeter flavor compared to regular tomatoes.
Are Black Beauty Tomatoes genetically modified?
No, Black Beauty Tomatoes are not genetically modified. They are a naturally occurring variety of tomato that has been selectively bred over time to develop their unique color and flavor.
Can Black Beauty Tomatoes be used in cooking?
Yes, Black Beauty Tomatoes can be used in cooking just like regular tomatoes. They can be sliced and added to salads, used in sauces, or even grilled for a smoky flavor. Their rich color can also add visual appeal to dishes.
Are Black Beauty Tomatoes more nutritious than regular tomatoes?
Black Beauty Tomatoes are not necessarily more nutritious than regular tomatoes. Both varieties contain essential vitamins and minerals. The difference lies in their antioxidant content, where Black Beauty Tomatoes may have slightly higher levels due to their darker pigmentation.
Where can I buy Black Beauty Tomatoes?
Black Beauty Tomatoes can be found at select grocery stores, farmers markets, or specialty food stores. They may not be as widely available as regular tomatoes, so it’s best to check with local suppliers or online sources for availability.
How should Black Beauty Tomatoes be stored?
Black Beauty Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature until they are fully ripe. Once ripe, they can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days to prolong their freshness. However, it is recommended to consume them within a few days for the best taste and texture.
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