Beefsteak Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Overview
The King of Slicers: Weight and Flavor
The Beefsteak tomato is the definition of a sandwich tomato. Known for its impressive size—often exceeding 1 pound per fruit—it delivers a rich, complex flavor that is less acidic than many smaller varieties. Its dense, meaty interior means you can cover an entire slice of bread with a single, magnificent slice of tomato.
As an indeterminate variety, the Beefsteak requires commitment, but the reward is a continuous supply of these large, breathtaking fruits throughout the late summer and early fall. Its long growing season requires a gardener's patience, but the heirloom quality taste makes the wait worthwhile.
Structure and Slicing
The Beefsteak has few seed cavities, minimizing the watery pulp. This structure is what makes it so ideal for slicing, grilling, and enjoying raw.
General Grow Information
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Indeterminate (Vining) |
| Fruit Size | Large (1lb+) |
| Plant Height (Indeterminate) | 5-7 ft |
| Plant Spacing | 30-36 in |
| Row Spacing | 48 in |
| Sunlight Needs | Full Sun (8+ hours) |
| Sprouting Time | 7-14 days |
Plant Care and Cultivation
- Heavy-Duty Support is a Must: Due to the sheer weight of the fruit, standard cages will fail. Use thick wooden stakes, welded wire mesh, or a strong cattle panel trellis system for adequate support.
- Avoid Uneven Watering: Inconsistent moisture levels are the main cause of cracking in large tomatoes. Maintain deep, even watering to prevent rapid swelling that splits the skin.
- Fertilization Needs: Heavy feeders require a balanced fertilizer throughout the season. Switch to a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen (N) ratio once flowers appear to encourage fruiting, not just leaf growth.
- Strategic Pruning: Limit the number of growing leaders (main vines) to 1 or 2. While pruning can reduce overall fruit count, it ensures the remaining fruit will be larger and ripen faster.
Seed Saving (Heirloom)
To save Beefsteak seeds, ferment the pulp from a fully ripe, unblemished fruit. This ensures the best germination rate.
Size Over Quantity
Beefsteak varieties prioritize fruit size and flavor complexity over sheer numbers. They require a longer maturation period (often 85+ days from transplant), but the payoff is a depth of flavor unmatched by faster-maturing commercial varieties.Preparation and Serving
Best used in applications where the large slice is the star: classic BLTs, thick Caprese salads, grilling, and hearty tomato sandwiches. Not typically used for sauces or canning due to high moisture content.Recipes Featuring Beefsteak Tomato
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