Until recently, only tomatoes of red, yellow, and white colors were common. The appearance of dark-fruited specimens initially brought gardeners into a stupor. People did not understand where these strange tomatoes came from and whether they were worth cultivating. But soon the exotic faded into the background. Gardeners, having tried black tomatoes, began to enjoy cultivating plants in their plots. And after the first harvests they even fell in love with unusual varieties.
What is special about black tomatoes?
Black tomatoes are a collective concept. When ripe, the fruits turn purple, dark brown or chocolate brown. Varieties of dark tomatoes, like their red counterparts, grow on bushes, prefer sunny weather, and are green in color when unripe. Obtained by crossing cultivated tomatoes with wild representatives of the nightshade family.
Chokeberry specimens contain an increased amount of anthocyanin. This substance affects the color of tomatoes. But the main feature of anthocyanin is its positive effect on human health.
The best varieties of black tomatoes according to gourmets
Some gardeners don't like exotic tomatoes. Some consider the fruits to be sweetish, with a lack of sourness. Others argue that tomatoes are not suitable for canning, as they take on an unmarketable appearance. The third category of gardeners are fans of black tomatoes, only they cultivate them on their plots.
There are many varieties of black tomatoes, but real gourmets distinguish four. They combine the best taste and beneficial properties. Plants adapt well to any weather conditions. They give a high yield.
Black Baron
Many lovers of black-fruited tomatoes agree that this is one of the most delicious representatives of the genus. The fruits have tender fleshy pulp, a sweet-sour taste and a bright tomato smell. The fruits are good fresh or canned. Tomatoes are used to make paste, ketchup, and sauces. Small specimens are pickled and salted. And such amazing juice cannot be obtained from other varieties.
The culture is tall. Reaches 2 meters in height. Each cluster contains 3-5 medium-sized fruits. Each weight is 150-250 g. Tomatoes have a round shape, slightly flattened at both ends. When ripe, the skin takes on a chocolate color. Ripening time is 115-125 days, counting from the appearance of the first shoots to the ripeness of the first fruits. The average yield per bush in open ground is up to 3 kg, and in a greenhouse – 5 kg. It grows in all territories of the Russian Federation.
Gardeners recognize the variety's shortcoming in its high growth, which requires the installation of supports and gartering of bushes. And besides this, the fruits do not last long.
Black Russian
The homeland of the variety is England, but after improvement in the Russian Federation, the variety received its current name and settled here for a long time. And many gardeners claim that they have found the variety they have long dreamed of. In the south, tomatoes are grown in open ground; in other areas they are recommended for greenhouses.
The bushes are tall, reaching 1.8 m, which means a garter is required.The fruits are flat-round, sweet, without sourness, chocolate-cherry or raspberry color. Tasty and healthy. Weight reaches 300-400 g. The yield per bush is up to 3.5 kg. The ripening time is 110-120 days.
Ideal for summer salads. Gardeners are delighted with the taste and yield of the variety. But they note that tomatoes are prone to cracking.
Black pineapple
Although the height of the plant is no more than 1.5 m, the bushes need support and shaping. The fruits are flat-round with a greenish-brown skin. The pulp is reddish with multi-colored inclusions. The weight of the fruit at times reaches 500 g. The pulp is sugary. Not many seeds.
Tomatoes have an amazing aroma and sweetish taste with hints of citrus. Suitable for fresh use.
True gourmets note the taste and resistance to cracking. Plus, gardeners emphasize high yields, long shelf life and transportability.
Black pear
Despite the fact that the variety is not yet included in the State Register, there are many admirers of tomatoes. Black pear is grown in many regions of the Russian Federation both in greenhouses and open ground. Suitable for canning and fresh use.
The bushes are tall. In open ground they reach 1.2-1.3 m, in a greenhouse - up to 2 meters. Tomatoes look like small pears with thick, dark red or brown skin. The pulp is dense, with seed chambers.
5-8 fruits of 50-80 g each are formed in a cluster. The yield per bush is up to 5-6 kg, per 1 sq. m – up to 20 kg. Tomatoes are distinguished by good presentation, resistance to cracking, a calm reaction to transportation, and a shelf life of up to 1-1.5 months after picking from the bush. Practically not susceptible to disease.
Gardeners are very pleased with the variety, but claim that in the rainy season the taste of pears is bland. In sunny, hot weather, black pear produces sweet fruits with the classic taste of tomatoes.
Gourmets also distinguish other varieties of black tomatoes, since each type has its own flavor and many fans. But these 4 varieties are superior to the rest in all respects.
