Beefsteak tomatoes are a favorite among home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike, thanks to their large size, juicy flesh, and rich flavor. This list covers the most popular and unique types of beefsteak tomatoes, helping you choose the best variety for your garden or kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a classic slicing tomato for sandwiches or a unique heirloom to add depth to your salads, understanding the different types will enhance your tomato-growing experience and culinary creations.
Big Boy
The Big Boy tomato is one of the most well-known beefsteak varieties, developed in the 1940s. It produces large, round, deep-red fruits that can weigh up to a pound or more. Known for its reliable performance and excellent flavor, Big Boy is a go-to choice for slicing on sandwiches and burgers, offering a sweet, tangy taste with a firm texture.
Brandywine
Brandywine is often considered the gold standard among heirloom beefsteaks, with a history dating back to the 1880s. It features large, flattened, pinkish-red fruits with a complex, sweet flavor and a slightly tangy finish. Its juicy flesh and aromatic profile make it a favorite for salads, fresh eating, and gourmet sandwiches, though it can be more delicate and prone to cracking.
Mortgage Lifter
Developed during the Great Depression, Mortgage Lifter is renowned for its large size, often reaching 2 to 3 pounds per fruit. The tomatoes are smooth, deep red, and slightly flattened, with a rich, sweet flavor. Its impressive size and flavor make it ideal for slicing and serving as a centerpiece in salads or on platters, and it’s a popular choice for farmers’ markets due to its productivity.
Cherokee Purple
Cherokee Purple is a unique heirloom variety that produces large, dusky purple-red fruits with a slightly flattened shape. It boasts a complex, sweet, and smoky flavor profile that stands out from more traditional beefsteaks. Its rich taste and striking appearance make it perfect for slicing onto gourmet sandwiches, salads, or simply enjoying fresh.
Black Krim
Originating from Crimea, Black Krim offers large, dark-red to purple-black fruits with a slightly flattened shape. Its flavor is intensely sweet with a hint of saltiness and a smoky undertone, making it a distinctive addition to any dish. The tomato’s unique coloration and flavor profile are especially appealing for those seeking a gourmet, visually striking tomato for slicing and serving raw.
Yellow Brandywine
As a variation of the classic Brandywine, Yellow Brandywine produces large, golden-yellow fruits that are sweet and less acidic than their red counterparts. Their smooth skin and juicy interior make them excellent for fresh eating, salads, and sandwiches. The bright color adds visual appeal and a different flavor dimension to your dishes.
Pink Berkeley Tie-Dye
This vibrant heirloom features large, irregularly shaped fruits with a pink and green striped skin. The flesh is sweet and juicy, with a complex flavor that combines the characteristics of traditional beefsteaks and heirlooms. Its striking appearance and rich taste make it a favorite for slicing and serving raw in salads or on cheese platters.
German Johnson
German Johnson is a classic heirloom beefsteak from the southeastern U.S., producing large, round, red fruits that can weigh over a pound. It offers a well-balanced, sweet flavor with a slightly tangy edge, making it ideal for slicing onto sandwiches or enjoying fresh. Its thick flesh and fewer seeds make it a reliable choice for fresh eating and cooking alike.
Isis Candy
Unique among beefsteaks, Isis Candy produces large, flattened, pale pink fruits with a sweet, almost candy-like flavor. Its flesh is firm yet juicy, and it’s prized for its distinctive taste and appearance. Although less common, it’s perfect for those looking to add a sweet twist to their tomato dishes or for slicing onto salads.
How to Choose
When selecting a beefsteak tomato, consider your primary use—whether for slicing, salads, or cooking—as different varieties excel in different areas. Size is important if you want a large, impressive slice or a manageable fruit for handling; flavor profile varies from sweet to smoky or complex. Also, think about your growing conditions: heirlooms like Brandywine and Cherokee Purple may require more care, while hybrids like Big Boy are more resilient. Finally, look for firm, blemish-free fruits with vibrant color, and consider the plant’s disease resistance if you’re planting in a garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best beefsteak tomato for slicing? Big Boy and Mortgage Lifter are both excellent choices for slicing due to their size, flavor, and firm flesh.
- Are beefsteak tomatoes difficult to grow? They can be more demanding than smaller varieties, requiring staking and consistent watering, but with proper care, they’re very rewarding.
- Why do some beefsteak tomatoes crack? Cracking occurs when the fruit absorbs water too quickly or experiences rapid temperature changes, especially if the plant is overripe or stressed.
- Can I grow heirloom beefsteaks in containers? Yes, with a large enough container, good drainage, and regular feeding, many heirlooms like Brandywine or Cherokee Purple can thrive in containers.
- What’s the difference between hybrid and heirloom beefsteaks? Hybrids tend to be more disease-resistant and uniform, while heirlooms offer unique flavors, colors, and shapes but may be more delicate.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right beefsteak tomato depends on your taste preferences, growing conditions, and intended use. From the large, classic Big Boy to the smoky Black Krim or the colorful Pink Berkeley Tie-Dye, each variety brings something special to the table. Experimenting with different types can elevate your culinary creations and deepen your appreciation for this iconic tomato category. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a home cook, understanding these varieties helps you select the perfect beefsteak for your needs and enjoy the rich flavors and impressive sizes these tomatoes have to offer.
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