As summer officially arrives, the warmth and sunshine bring new life to our gardens. The sweet aroma of ripening tomatoes wafts through the air, beckoning us to get creative with recipes and preservation techniques. For many, it’s a season of abundance, but before we can reap the rewards, we must first choose the right tomato varieties to cultivate.
While I’m excited about the canning and preserving that come with this time of year, my enthusiasm stems from the promise of fresh tomatoes ripe for the picking. There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy, just-picked tomato or crafting the ultimate sandwich – a personal favorite of mine. However, to ensure a bountiful harvest, it’s essential to select the best tomato varieties.
That’s where this post comes in.
I’ll be sharing some of the top-performing tomato varieties that will help you boost your yield and enjoy a more abundant summer.
The Best Tomato Varieties
Celebrities
Our journey with Celebrities began a couple of years ago, sparked by my husband’s interactions with his clients as a technician. His job allows him to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and industries. One particular encounter stands out, where he met a gentleman who was more than thrilled to share the secrets behind his thriving tomato plants. As we were struggling with our own tomato yields that year, my husband was impressed by the gentleman’s all-Celebrity tomato garden.
The experience left a lasting impression on him, and we’ve since made Celebrities our go-to variety for planting. For those who may not be familiar with this popular breed, Celebrity tomatoes are a type of red tomato known for their unique round shape and generous size, typically weighing in at around half a pound per fruit. They’re truly exceptional when it comes to crafting mouthwatering sandwiches.
Black Cherry Tomato
I’m excited to share this unusual cherry tomato variety with you. Its deep black color sets it apart from the typical red or yellow cherries. As someone who’s had success with these compact tomatoes, I can attest that they’re surprisingly resilient and produce abundantly. In fact, I’ve found myself having to control their spread in my garden each year, as volunteers will sprout up and yield a bountiful harvest.
If you’re looking for a smaller tomato perfect for canning or adding to salads, this variety is definitely worth considering.
Brandywine
Among my favorite heirloom varieties is Brandywine tomatoes. It’s hard not to have encountered one at some point, given their widespread popularity. For those who haven’t had the pleasure, Brandywines are characterized by their impressive size – large and round with a meaty texture. Their unique pink hue sets them apart from other tomato varieties. While opinions may vary, many enthusiasts agree that Brandywine tomatoes boast one of the most exceptional flavor profiles out there.
Given their size, they’re a natural fit for sandwiches, whether it’s a classic BLT or a fresh cheeseburger.
Chocolate Stripes
The Chocolate Stripes Tomato is an eye-catching variety that’s sure to spark conversations among your garden visitors. Its unique combination of reddish hue and brown stripes on its skin sets it apart from other tomatoes. While it may not be the smallest tomato in your garden, with a size approaching almost a pound each, you’ll still get plenty of fruit per plant.
What’s more, this variety is renowned for its sweet flavor profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a delicious and visually appealing addition to their harvest. If you’re looking for a tomato that checks all the boxes – great taste, impressive size, and striking appearance – then the Chocolate Stripes Tomato is definitely worth considering.
Beef Steak
One of the most widely recognized and versatile tomato varieties is the Beef Steak tomato. This type of tomato grows to be around one pound in weight and has a deep red color. Its impressive size makes it suitable for a range of uses, from fresh salads and sandwiches to canning. What’s more, its adaptability earns it a spot as a go-to choice for many gardeners and cooks.
Notably, the Beef Steak tomato’s large size also means that it can sometimes develop splits at the top, likely due to its increased weight.
Blondkopfchen
Discover the charm of The Garden Hoard, a unique and flavorful yellow cherry tomato variety. Its name may be challenging to pronounce, but it’s definitely worth exploring. In fact, ‘Little Blonde Girl’ is more than just a quirky name – it’s a nod to the variety’s German origins. And if you’re a fan of milder flavors, you’ll love this smaller yet mighty tomato. Unlike other cherry tomatoes, The Garden Hoard boasts a sunny yellow hue and a sweet taste that’s sure to delight.
If you’re looking for a new addition to your garden or just want to try something different, give this variety a go – its unique characteristics are definitely worth experiencing.
Black Krim
Beyond the conventional round red tomato, there’s a fascinating world of heirloom varieties waiting to be discovered. One such gem is this medium-sized, half-pound fruit that defies expectations with its stunning blackish-purple hue. Not only does this unique color add visual appeal to any dish, but it also promises a burst of flavor that will leave you craving more.
Azoychka
The Azoychka tomato is another vibrant yellow variety that’s hard to miss. Its bright citrus hue may initially give the impression it’s been kissed by sunshine, but don’t let its appearance fool you – inside, you’ll find a flavor profile reminiscent of a juicy lemon. Typically weighing in at around half a pound, this striking yellow tomato is perfect for adding a pop of color and a burst of citrusy goodness to your garden.
Amana Orange
Rare Seeds’ Rare Tomato Variety is a treat for the eyes and taste buds! This heirloom variety boasts an impressive size, growing up to two pounds, making it perfect for those who love a hearty beef steak-style tomato. But what really sets this variety apart is its vibrant orange color and unparalleled sweetness. The flavor profile is surprisingly fruity, with notes that will delight even the most discerning palates.
If you’re looking for a larger-than-life tomato experience with a milder flavor, Rare Seeds’ offering is definitely worth considering.
Delicious
Burpee’s are one of the most common tomato varieties you’ll find at your local grocery store, and for good reason. These red and round beauties can grow to be anywhere from a pound to two pounds, making them perfect for slicing up and adding some extra flavor to your sandwiches or salads. Their rich, delicious taste is a major selling point – in fact, the name ‘Burpee’ is often attributed to their incredible flavor profile.
Dixie Golden Giant
One of the most impressive tomato varieties is the Totally Tomatoes heirloom breed. According to my research, this variety has its roots in the Amish community. What sets it apart is its exceptional sweetness and fruity flavor profile, which is quite rare for a beefsteak-type tomato. These tomatoes don’t just stop at being large – they can grow to be over a pound in size, making them perfect for slicing up into thick, juicy portions.
Their texture is also incredibly meaty, making them a standout among other varieties.
Cherokee Purple
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of cultivating Cherokee Purple tomatoes in my own garden. While they may not be the largest tomatoes you’ll ever see, averaging around half a pound or slightly less, their unique color is truly what sets them apart. The deep purple hue adds an extra layer of excitement to tasks like canning and cooking. There’s something special about transforming a juicy purple tomato into a delicious sauce or adding one to a vibrant salad.
This is precisely why I’m so fond of colored tomatoes – they bring a refreshing twist to the ordinary, offering a burst of personality to your plate.
Better Boy
We’ve been experimenting with Better Boy tomatoes in our garden recently. This classic variety has earned its reputation as a tried and true performer over the past 50 years or so. In fact, it’s even made history by winning a Guinness World Record for producing the most fruit from any tomato plant. If you’re after a traditional, eye-catching red tomato that yields an abundance of fruit, Better Boy is definitely worth considering.
Green Zebra
The Green Zebra tomato variety stands out for its unique appearance and flavor profile. This larger-than-usual green tomato features vibrant yellow stripes, reminiscent of a zebra’s signature pattern. While it’s known for having a tangier taste compared to other varieties, The Green Zebra’s smaller size – typically weighing in at around half a pound each – makes it an ideal choice for kitchen use.
Its compact nature allows for easy handling and preparation, making it perfect for creating a range of dishes featuring fried green tomatoes.
Early Girl
As a long-time enthusiast of gardening, I’ve had the pleasure of growing many tomato varieties, but Early Girl remains one of my top favorites. One reason for this is the fruit’s impressive size – each tomato grows to be around half a pound, making it an excellent choice for cooking, canning, and even using in sandwiches or salads. Additionally, Early Girl tomatoes are prized for their early production, typically ripening before many other varieties.
This makes them an ideal choice for gardeners looking to get a head start on their harvest. While there’s no shortage of excellent tomato varieties to choose from, I believe that growing a few different types can help you find the perfect fit for your taste and gardening style. It’s all about balance – you want to love not only the flavor of the tomato but also its growth habits. And that’s where Early Girl shines. So, I’m curious: what’s your go-to tomato variety?
Do you have any tips or tricks for growing it successfully? Perhaps there’s a particular reason why you prefer one type over another. We’d love to hear from you and learn more about your gardening experiences! Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
