The question of whether a Beefsteak tomato is an heirloom variety is complex. Beefsteak refers to a category defined by its physical characteristics, not a single genetic lineage. This means the name can apply to tomatoes with very different genetic backgrounds. To understand the relationship, it is necessary to look at how tomatoes are classified genetically.
Understanding Heirloom vs. Hybrid Tomatoes
Tomato varieties fall into two main categories based on how their seeds reproduce. Heirloom varieties are open-pollinated, meaning they are pollinated naturally by insects, wind, or self-pollination.
Their seeds produce plants and fruit nearly identical to the parent. This genetic stability allows the variety to breed true from generation to generation, often for 50 years or more.
In contrast, hybrid tomatoes result from an intentional, controlled cross between two different parent varieties. These are often designated as F1 hybrids. The goal is to combine desirable traits, such as high yield or disease resistance, into a single plant. However, seeds saved from an F1 hybrid fruit will not breed true, resulting in an unpredictable mix of traits in the following F2 generation.
Is Beefsteak a Type or a Variety?
The term “Beefsteak” is not a specific variety but a morphological type—a description of the fruit’s physical characteristics. Beefsteak tomatoes are distinguished by their substantial size, typically weighing one pound or more. They have a dense, meaty texture with numerous small seed compartments, making them ideal for slicing.
Because it is a descriptive term, both heirloom and hybrid varieties can be classified as Beefsteaks. For example, ‘Brandywine’ and ‘Mortgage Lifter’ are heirloom varieties that produce large, ribbed, Beefsteak-type fruit. These historic varieties are open-pollinated. Conversely, commercial varieties like ‘Big Beef’ are modern F1 hybrids bred to produce large, meaty fruit with disease resistance. The term Beefsteak describes the fruit’s form, not its genetic heritage.
Why Classification Matters to the Home Gardener
Understanding the heirloom or hybrid classification is relevant when a gardener decides to save seeds for future planting. Seeds collected from a true heirloom Beefsteak variety, such as ‘Cherokee Purple,’ can be planted the next season, reliably producing the same type of large, flavorful fruit. This ability to breed true allows seed lineages to continue across decades.
If a gardener attempts to save seeds from a hybrid Beefsteak, the result will be highly variable. The F2 generation plants exhibit a wide spectrum of traits from the original parent lines, often producing smaller, lower-quality, and less uniform fruit. While many heirlooms are valued for their complex flavor, hybrid Beefsteaks are often engineered to offer better disease resistance, which is beneficial in warm, humid climates.