Beefsteak Tomato

Name: Beefsteak tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) — a very large, flat-topped, ribbed, meaty tomato, often 10 cm or more across, with thick flesh, small seed cavities and a mild, sweet, slightly tangy taste. It is a type, not a single variety, and includes red, pink and yellow kinds.

Description

Beefsteak tomatoes have been grown in North America for well over a century, and are loved by home gardeners for their size. They are slow to ripen and need warm weather, and because of their thin skin, they bruise easily and do not store or ship well, which is why the best ones come from gardens, farmers' markets and local growers.

The thick slices hold together well, which makes them the preferred tomato for sandwiches, burgers and stacks. Their meaty flesh and few seeds also make them good for grilling and for thick sauces.

Main nutrition value

Beefsteak tomatoes provide vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K and folate, and are a source of the antioxidant lycopene, which is better absorbed from cooked tomatoes with a little oil.

How best to be consumed

Beefsteak tomatoes are best ripe, in season, and served simply.

1. Slice thickly for sandwiches, burgers and BLTs, with salt and a little pepper.
2. Layer with mozzarella and basil for a caprese salad, with olive oil.
3. Stuff and bake, or grill thick slices with herbs.
4. Cook into thick sauces or tomato soup.
5. Store at room temperature, not in the fridge, which dulls the flavour.

Overconsumption could cause…

Beefsteak tomatoes are safe and healthy in food amounts.

1. Heartburn or reflux from the acidity, particularly in sensitive people.
2. Reactions in a small number of people sensitive to nightshade plants, such as joint or digestive complaints, though evidence is limited.
3. Reflux symptoms or mouth irritation in sensitive people.
4. Extra salt, oil and sugar in sauces, soups and processed tomato products.

GroupsFruit VegetablesNightshade family (Solanaceae)Low fatLow sodiumFresh

Related foodsHeirloom TomatoTomatoBell Pepper / CapsicumGreen PepperJalapeñoEggplant / Aubergine

Wikipedia — Beefsteak tomato, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beefsteak_tomato