Fruit Color

A plate of different colored sliced tomatoes is a beautiful and tasty addition to any table. The green, black, white and striped colors used to be found strictly in the Heirloom varieties.

Due to their popularity among market growers, there has been a rush by hybridizers to produce these colors with the disease resistant characteristics of the hybrid varieties.

Judging ripeness is often a matter of watching for a color change, or feeling the softening of the fruit. Flavor can be affected by growing conditions and stage of ripeness.  Some varieties that seem not so flavorful fresh will actually be wonderful roasted, dried or sauced.

Some generalities:

Red

So many to choose from—it’s hard to pick a favorite. Brandywine is the standard that many use to measure flavor since the popularity of heirlooms has increased.

Click here to choose from over 200 varieties of certified organic seed for red heirloom tomatoes

Pink

Think watermelon shades. These tend to be a bit sweeter than the red tomatoes. There are red and pink colors of the same varieties.  Red Brandywine, Pink Brandywine

Click here to choose from over 100 varieties of certified organic seed for pink heirloom tomatoes

Black or purple

Red or pink fruit with brown or mahogany overtones that tend to be darker on the shoulders. The degree of darkness can be affected by growing conditions. Many describe the taste as earthy, smoky or wine-flavored. I find them to be slightly salty tasting and very yummy.

Click here to choose from over 20 varieties of certified organic seed for black heirloom tomatoes

Green

Retain their green color when ripe! They have a juicy, tangy, full-bodied tomato flavor that is heavenly in sandwiches. Most greens will get yellow-tinged as they ripen. They get sweeter and milder as the yellow color deepens. Try them at different degrees of ripeness to get the flavor you like.

Click here to choose from 11 varieties of certified organic seed for green heirloom tomatoes

White

Like the greens, these will take on yellow tones as they ripen. Most are actually a cream or buttery-yellow color. Flavor is also similar to the greens but not quite as tangy. Usually best picked when a very pale yellow. They are firm and slices hold up well.

Click here to choose from 9 varieties of certified organic seed for white heirloom tomatoes

Yellow or Orange

These tend to taste less tangy because they have higher sugar content. Some say they have less acid than other varieties. The deeper yellow and orange colored ones have what some describe as just a touch of fruity flavor, like pineapple or peach. They are great eaten plain. A few slices on a plate make a beautiful and tasty garnish.

Click here to choose from 99 varieties of certified organic seed for yellow/orange heirloom tomatoes

Bi-colored or Striped

Most of these are a combination of yellow or orange with red striping. In some varieties, the color is only on the skin and they have a solid color flesh inside. Other varieties have a marbled flesh that looks beautiful when sliced.

Click here to choose from over 40 varieties of certified organic seed for bi-colored heirloom tomatoes