why are beef tomatoes called beef tomatoes

The Juicy Truth Behind Why Beef Tomatoes are Called Beef Tomatoes

Beef tomatoes, also known as beefsteak tomatoes, are one of the most popular tomato varieties found in grocery stores and markets. But have you ever wondered why they are called “beef” tomatoes? As it turns out, there are a couple of interesting theories behind the name.

In this article, we’ll explore the origins of beef tomatoes, what makes them different from other tomatoes and why their name is so fitting for their large meaty interior.

What are Beef Tomatoes?

Beef tomatoes are one of the largest varieties of cultivated tomatoes. They are globe-shaped with deep red flesh and can weigh anywhere from 8 ounces up to 2 pounds or more. The thick slices of beef tomatoes are often used for sandwiches, burgers, and other dishes where a meaty tomato slice is desired.

Some of the most common cultivars of beef tomatoes include:

• Brandywine: An heirloom variety with a sweet, rich flavor. Brandywine tomatoes can grow quite large, sometimes over 2 pounds.

• Big Beef: A hybrid variety that is disease resistant and produces consistently large fruits around 10-12 ounces.

• Mortgage Lifter: An heirloom beefsteak known for gigantic 2+ pound tomatoes. It gets its curious name from a farmer who sold plants for $1 during the Depression to pay off his mortgage.

• Cherokee Purple: An heirloom with dusky pink skin and flesh with a sweet, complex flavor.

• Black Krim: A purple-black beefsteak tomato with a smoky, earthy flavor.

While not all beef tomatoes get as big as the Mortgage Lifter, most varieties are significantly larger, meatier, and more sliceable than petite tomatoes like cherry and grape varieties. The large size and abundant flesh make them especially suited for sandwiches, burgers, and eating fresh in salads.

Where Did the Name “Beef Tomato” Come From?

So how did this tomato variety earn the name beef tomato? There are a couple of interesting theories about the origin of the name:

Theory #1: It refers to the tomato’s large, meaty flesh.

One of the defining features of a beef tomato is its thick, substantial flesh and meaty interior. Unlike other tomatoes that are mostly filled with gel and seeds, beef tomatoes have a abundantly fleshy interior. The size, texture, and “beefiness” of this tomato variety may have inspired the name beef tomato.

Theory #2: It compares the tomato size to a steak.

Another idea is that the name “beef tomato” or “beefsteak tomato” is a reference to the tomato’s large size being comparable to a slice of beefsteak. As beef tomatoes can grow quite large and weigh over a pound, they can be similar in thickness and diameter to a hearty steak.

Theory #3: The name was influenced by Early American food culture.

Some sources suggest the name originated from Early American food culture where tomatoes were served alongside meat dishes like beef steaks. Referring to the large tomato slices as “beef tomatoes” may have been an early food pairing recommendation.

Whatever the exact origin, the moniker seems very fitting for thick, juicy beef tomato slices!

Why Are Beef Tomatoes So Large and Meaty?

So what makes beef tomatoes develop into such large, hearty fruits compared to other tomato varieties? There are a few key reasons:

• Genetics – Beefsteak tomato varieties have been bred selectively over time to produce ever-larger and meatier fruits. Hybridizers focused on developing thick inner walls and smaller seed cavities.

• Less focus on yield – Most beef tomatoes grow one large tomato per vine, compared to cherry tomatoes that grow in abundant clusters. The plant puts energy into one big fruit instead of many smaller ones.

• Extra time on the vine – Beef tomato varieties are often left to grow longer and larger on the vine before harvesting compared to tomatoes focused on higher yields. More time to develop means bigger fruits.

• Low moisture content – The flesh of a beef tomato is drier than other varieties, making the inside wall flesh thicker and denser with less gel and seeds.

The large, juicy interior packed with meaty flesh makes beef tomatoes perfect for slicing, while the dense flesh also gives them a rich, full tomatoey flavor.

Why Choose Beef Tomatoes?

Beyond just their iconic name and origins, there are some great reasons to choose beef tomatoes over other tomato types:

• Size – The 8 oz to 2 lb size range of beef tomatoes provides ample thick slices perfect for burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. Smaller tomatoes won’t always cut it.

• Meaty texture – With their dry, dense interior, beef tomatoes hold their shape and have a pleasant firmness when sliced and eaten fresh. Great for dishes where you want a sturdy tomato texture.

• Flavor – The abundant flesh results in concentrated tomato flavor balanced with a pleasant acidity. Makes them perfect for eating raw.

• Appearance – The deep red interior and perfectly round shape make beefsteak slices picture perfect whether stacked on burgers or artfully fanned on a Caprese salad.

• Versatility – The large size, firm flesh, meaty texture, and intense flavor makes beef tomatoes suitable for enjoying raw or cooking into sauces.

• Easy to find – Beef tomatoes are one of the most commonly available fresh market tomato varieties, so they’re easy to find year-round.

While cherry and grape tomatoes have their purpose, when you need substantial tomato slices, beef tomatoes are the undisputed champions. Their legendary status in the tomato world makes the name “beef tomato” completely fitting!

The Best Way to Enjoy Beef Tomatoes

Beefsteak tomatoes really shine when enjoyed raw and fresh. Here are some of my favorite ways to make the most of these juicy, meaty beauties:

• Tomato sandwiches – Layer freshly sliced beef tomatoes between bread with mayo, bacon, lettuce and anything else you love!

• Burgers and sandwiches – There might not be a better topping for burgers, sandwiches, paninis, etc than a few thick slices of beef tomato.

• Fresh Caprese salad – Alternate thick slices of beef tomatoes with fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

• Bruschetta – Dice up beef tomatoes, mix with olive oil, garlic, basil and shaved parmesan. Spoon over toasted baguette.

• Tomato salads – Toss wedges or slices of beef tomatoes into fresh salad greens, onion and cucumber tossed in an italian dressing.

• BLT’s – Crispy bacon, lettuce and juicy beef tomato slices on toast is a perfect summer lunch.

• Tomato platters – The perfect appetizer: arrange sliced heirloom beef tomatoes on a platter with mozzarella, avocado, basil, olive oil and cracked pepper.

• Sauces and salsas – Diced up beef tomatoes are ideal for homemade pasta sauce, pizza sauce, or fresh salsa.

Beef Tomato Growing Tips

Want to try growing your own colossal beef tomatoes? Here are some tips for success:

• Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours per day) in fertile, well-draining soil. Amend soil with compost or fertilizer before planting.

• Choose disease-resistant varieties if possible to prevent issues like wilt and blight. Cherokee Purple and Big Beef are good choices.

• Space plants at least 4 feet apart to allow for growth. Place tall or cages supports around plants.

• Water 1-2 inches per week, avoiding wet foliage. Use a mulch around plants to retain moisture.

• Prune away suckers and lower leaves as the plants grow to focus energy on the main stem and fruits.

• Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once every 2-3 weeks during the growing season for large plants and fruits.

• Harvest when tomatoes are fully red and slightly soft. Store at room temp out of direct sun.

With proper planting methods and care, you can grow huge, juicy beefsteak tomatoes that rival those found in the store!

The Mystery Revealed: Why “Beef Tomatoes”

The iconic name “beef tomato” sparks instant recognition of these big, beautiful red tomatoes that are made for slicing. With their abundant juicy flesh, meaty texture, sizable heft and thick cut suitability, the beefsteak tomato is the true MVP of sandwiches, burgers and beyond. Now you know the (possible) origins behind why thick-walled beef tomatoes earned this carnivorous name. Whatever the exact roots, one thing is for certain: beef tomatoes definitely live up to their fleshy, protein-packed name!