18 Black Tomatoes Varieties: Discover 9 Must-Grow Favorites
Table of Contents
Introduction
Did you know that only 14% of home gardeners have ever grown black tomatoes, despite their exceptional flavor profile that often outranks traditional red varieties in blind taste tests? This surprising statistic reveals how many gardeners are missing out on the rich, complex flavors that black tomato varieties offer. Black tomatoes, with their distinctive dark coloration ranging from deep purple to nearly black, aren’t actually black but rather contain high levels of anthocyanins – the same antioxidants found in blueberries and blackberries. If you’re looking to expand your garden with these 18 black tomatoes varieties, you’re in for a culinary revelation that combines stunning aesthetics with remarkable taste.
Characteristics of Black Tomatoes
Black tomatoes typically share several distinctive features that set them apart from conventional varieties. Their coloration comes from a combination of chlorophyll and anthocyanins, creating dark hues that intensify with sun exposure. Most black tomatoes offer:
- Rich, complex flavor profiles with sweet-savory balance
- Higher antioxidant content than red varieties
- Moderate acidity levels that appeal to sensitive palates
- Striking visual appeal on the plate
- Extended harvest seasons compared to some traditional varieties
9 Must-Grow Black Tomato Varieties
1. Black Krim
Originating from the Isle of Krim in the Black Sea, this heirloom variety produces medium to large fruits (8-12 oz) with dark reddish-purple skin and green shoulders. Their flavor is exceptionally rich and smoky with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Black Krim thrives in zones 3-9 and matures in approximately 75-80 days, making it an excellent choice for gardeners with shorter growing seasons.
2. Black Cherry
Perfect for snacking, these 1-inch fruits deliver an explosion of sweet-tart flavor in a convenient size. Black Cherry tomatoes develop a deep mahogany-purple color when fully ripe and produce prolifically throughout the season. Their vigorous vines can reach 6-8 feet tall and continue fruiting until frost, providing up to 30% more harvest volume than standard cherry varieties.
3. Carbon
Regularly winning taste tests among black varieties, Carbon produces medium-large fruits (10-12 oz) with exceptional depth of flavor. These smooth, round tomatoes have minimal cracking and develop a dark chocolate-purple color when mature. Carbon plants show good disease resistance and perform particularly well in hot, humid conditions where other varieties struggle.
4. Black Beauty
As the darkest tomato variety currently available, Black Beauty develops fruits so deep purple they appear nearly black. These medium-sized tomatoes (4-8 oz) offer a remarkable combination of sweetness, richness, and complexity with notably high anthocyanin content – up to 500% more than other black varieties. Their compact growth habit makes them suitable for container gardening.
5. Paul Robeson
Named after the famous singer and activist, Paul Robeson tomatoes offer a distinctive sweet-smoky flavor with earthy undertones. These dusky brick-red fruits with green shoulders typically weigh 6-10 oz and perform exceptionally well in cooler climates. While they mature in 80-90 days, many gardeners report the wait is worthwhile for their incomparable taste.
6. Black from Tula
This Russian heirloom produces large, slightly flattened fruits (8-12 oz) with dark reddish-brown coloration. Known for their excellent resistance to cracking, Black from Tula tomatoes offer juicy flesh with a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. Their productivity and adaptability to various growing conditions make them a reliable choice for gardeners across zones 4-10.
7. Indigo Rose
Developed by Oregon State University, Indigo Rose features a striking purple-black exterior and bright red interior. These 2-inch fruits contain unusually high levels of anthocyanins and develop their distinctive color even before ripening. Their balanced sweet-tart flavor improves significantly when allowed to fully mature on the vine for 75-80 days.
8. Japanese Black Trifele
Reminiscent of a chocolate-colored pear, this Russian heirloom produces distinctive 4-6 oz fruits with smooth, crack-resistant skin. Their rich, complex flavor with hints of fruity sweetness makes them versatile for both fresh eating and cooking. These productive plants show excellent disease resistance and continue bearing fruit through adverse weather conditions.
9. Black Ethiopian
One of the rarer varieties among the 18 black tomatoes varieties, Black Ethiopian produces abundant plum-shaped fruits (2-3 oz) with intensely smoky flavor. Their mahogany-brown coloration and resistance to common tomato diseases make them increasingly popular among collectors. Plants typically reach 5-6 feet and thrive in hot conditions, making them perfect for southern gardens.
Growing Tips for Black Tomatoes
Black tomato varieties generally require similar growing conditions to other tomatoes but benefit from these specialized approaches:
- Plant in full sun – direct sunlight intensifies their distinctive coloration
- Maintain consistent soil moisture to prevent cracking
- Apply mulch to regulate soil temperature and reduce water stress
- Provide support through staking or caging to protect heavy fruit
- Harvest when the bottom third of the fruit has darkened for optimal flavor
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When growing black tomatoes, watch out for these typical pitfalls:
- Harvesting too early – most black varieties need full ripening for best flavor
- Insufficient sunlight, which reduces anthocyanin development and flavor
- Overwatering, which can dilute flavor and increase disease susceptibility
- Temperature extremes, which may cause blossom drop in sensitive varieties
- Excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes foliage at the expense of fruit
Storage Tips for Black Tomatoes
To maintain the exceptional flavor of your black tomatoes:
- Store unripe fruits stem-side down at room temperature, never in the refrigerator
- For short-term storage (3-5 days), keep fully ripe tomatoes in a cool location (55-70°F)
- Preserve excess harvest through roasting and freezing, which maintains their rich flavor
- Consider dehydrating or making sauce from overripe fruits to capture their unique taste profile
Conclusion
Exploring these 18 black tomatoes varieties opens up a world of extraordinary flavors and visual appeal that standard varieties simply can’t match. From the intensely smoky Black Krim to the strikingly dark Black Beauty, these underappreciated gems deserve a place in every garden and kitchen. Their exceptional antioxidant content, complex flavor profiles, and conversation-starting appearance make them perfect for both culinary use and garden aesthetics. Take your gardening experience to the next level by incorporating several of these distinctive varieties in your planting plans this season.
FAQs
Are black tomatoes actually black?
No, black tomatoes range from deep purple to mahogany-brown with green or purple shoulders. Their coloration comes from anthocyanins combined with chlorophyll, creating the appearance of “black” when fully ripe.
Do black tomatoes taste different from red varieties?
Yes, black tomatoes typically offer more complex flavors with sweet-savory balance, often described as “smoky,” “rich,” or “wine-like” compared to the bright acidity of standard red tomatoes.
Are black tomatoes more nutritious?
Studies suggest black tomatoes contain significantly higher levels of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that may provide additional health benefits compared to traditional red varieties.
Can I save seeds from black tomato varieties?
Most black tomatoes are open-pollinated heirlooms, making them excellent candidates for seed saving. However, prevent cross-pollination by isolating different varieties or using physical barriers.
How can I tell when black tomatoes are ripe?
Rather than relying on color alone, check for slight softening at the blossom end and a slight “give” when gently squeezed. The bottom portion of most black varieties will darken significantly when ripe.
