Purple tomatoes offer a striking visual appeal. Their unique hues, ranging from deep maroon to nearly black, add a distinctive element to any garden and plate. These fruits stand apart from traditional red varieties, inviting exploration into their characteristics and uses.
The Science Behind Purple Tomatoes
The distinctive coloration of purple tomatoes originates from anthocyanins, natural pigments also responsible for blue, purple, and black shades in fruits like blueberries. The presence and intensity of anthocyanins in tomato skins and sometimes flesh are determined by the plant’s genetic makeup.
Sunlight exposure also plays a significant role. Parts of the fruit directly exposed to sunlight develop a deeper purple or black color, while shaded areas may remain greener or display red or orange tones, creating a marbled appearance.
Health Benefits of Purple Tomatoes
Beyond their visual appeal, purple tomatoes offer nutritional advantages due to their high anthocyanin content. These pigments act as antioxidants, protecting the body’s cells from free radical damage.
The antioxidants in purple tomatoes are associated with several health benefits. These include supporting cardiovascular health by reducing oxidative stress and contributing to reduced inflammation. Regular consumption may also boost immune function.
Popular Purple Tomato Varieties
Black Krim
The Black Krim is an heirloom variety from the Crimean Peninsula, Russia. It has large, flattened globe-shaped fruits with deep reddish-purple to brownish-black skin, often with green shoulders. The flavor is rich, sweet, and slightly smoky, with a hint of saltiness, ideal for fresh slicing. These indeterminate plants produce fruit throughout the season, maturing in 70-80 days from transplant.
Cherokee Purple
This heirloom, the Cherokee Purple, originated with the Cherokee Native American tribe in Tennessee before the 1890s. It produces large, beefsteak-type fruits with a dusky rose to deep purple-pink coloration and green shoulders. Its complex flavor is sweet, rich, and slightly smoky, a classic old-fashioned tomato taste. Cherokee Purple plants are indeterminate, producing fruit on vigorous vines requiring support.
Paul Robeson
Named after the African-American actor and civil rights activist, the Paul Robeson tomato is a Russian heirloom. Its fruits are medium to large, dark red to brownish or olive-green with dark shoulders. Its taste is fruity, tangy-sweet, and smoky, with a rich, complex flavor. This indeterminate variety ripens from late July, excellent for fresh eating or sauces.
Brad’s Atomic Grape
Brad’s Atomic Grape is a modern cherry tomato variety known for its unique appearance. These elongated, grape-sized fruits display an extraordinary blend of colors, transitioning from lavender and purple stripes to olive-green, red, and gold as they ripen. The flavor is sweet with a tangy undertone, described as meaty and juicy with mild acidity. This indeterminate cherry tomato is productive on vigorous vines.
Black Beauty
The Black Beauty tomato is one of the darkest varieties, with intense anthocyanin expression, appearing solid blue-black on exposed surfaces. Its interior flesh is deep red, a striking contrast to its dark skin. Its flavor is rich, smooth, and savory with earthy tones, often described as richer than other anthocyanin-rich varieties. This indeterminate beefsteak-type tomato averages around 6 ounces, suited for slicing and sandwiches.
Choosing and Using Purple Tomatoes
Selecting ripe purple tomatoes can be challenging because their dark pigmentation masks typical color changes seen in red varieties. Instead of relying on color, check for a slight softening when gently squeezed, indicating ripeness. A rich aroma at the stem end can also signal ripeness.
Purple tomatoes are versatile in the kitchen, offering unique flavors and striking visual appeal. Their rich taste makes them excellent for fresh consumption in salads, where their colors shine. They also perform well in salsas, roasted dishes, or light sauces, though cooking can diminish their purple hue.