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Beefsteak
Beefsteak Stats
Height: 72 - 96" (1.83-2.44 m)
Plant Spacing: 24 - 36" (0.61-0.91 m)
Row Spacing: 36 - 48" (0.91-1.22 m)
Days to Maturity: 69 - 96
Growing Habit: Determinate
Sun: Full Sun
Color: Pink, Purple, Red
Size: Large
Shape: Large
Genetic Type: Hybrid
Variety Type: Paste/Canning, Really Big Ones, Slicers
Disease Resistance: V, F, N
Common Uses
Sandwiches/hamburgers, salads, sauces, salsa
Other Names
Beef Tomato
Information for Beefsteak
The thick and tasty Beefsteak tomato is considered to be one of the larger tomato cultivars. It commonly weighs over one pound (453 g) and sometimes grows to be more than two pounds (907 g). It is named "Beefsteak" not because of its size, but due to its red and meaty texture comparable to a steak. Johann Heinrich Muster, a New York farmer, originally invented and cultivated the Beefsteak tomato.
This large determinate tomato variety was developed as a result of its continuous growth and productive characteristics especially during summer seasons. Beefsteak tomatoes are also identified as slow-maturing type, taking more than 90 days for them to fully develop. Until the first break of winter, Beefsteak tomato plants will continue to grow and produce in moderate weather conditions.
When the fruits of the Beefsteak tomato plant ripen, they call attention due to their smooth, thin-skinned, ribbed kidney-shaped features. The meaty tomato fruits are seen in a range of colors, from glossy red to purple-black. The interior of the tomatoes have tiny and compact seed compartments with a nonexistent core.
Beefsteak tomatoes are often preferred eaten raw or sliced. In fact, a Beefsteak tomato is described to be the perfect sandwich tomato. Sweet with a bit of tartness, the simplest way to enjoy a Beefsteak tomato is to slice and serve it between two pieces of bread. Packed with flavor and juicy goodness, the Beefsteak is a favorite ingredient in salads, sandwiches, and stuffing as well.
Usually grown in the Southern regions of the United States, Beefsteak tomatoes can actually be harvested from the vine even if they are still unripe. They can be ripened in room temperature between 55 °F and 70 °F.
To easily find good-quality Beefsteak tomatoes, you can obtain them in various farmers' markets and tomato-growing nurseries. Since Beefsteak tomatoes mostly thrive in moderately sunny weather, they are not as frequently available commercially compared to other smaller tomato varieties.
Photo Credit: Michael Hussey