By Lois Miklas
Recently, on a whim, I posted a question on the Penn State Extension Master Gardener Facebook group, "What's your favorite tomato variety and why?" I received a bevy of passionate responses as gardeners sang the praises of their favorite tomato varieties. Some of the varieties were ones I had never considered trying or were completely new to me.
Suggestions are detailed below and grouped according to their recommended uses.
Terms used in the descriptions:
Heirloom or Hybrid
If the variety is noted to be "heirloom," it is open-pollinated, and the seeds will be true to the parent. If another gardener gives you seeds from an heirloom tomato or if you save the seeds (see Seed Saving Basics ), the resulting fruit will be what you expect. If you save the seeds from a hybrid tomato, the fruit from the next generation will not be like the parent and may be disappointing.
Determinate or Indeterminate
According to Susan Marquesen in Selecting Tomato Cultivars , "Determinate cultivars grow to a pre-determined height, flower and produce fruit within a more narrowly defined timeframe. They are more compact, and some can be grown in a large container. If you are limited in space or want your tomatoes to ripen at the same time for canning, determinate cultivars may be for you. Indeterminate cultivars continue to grow and produce tomatoes through early fall. Some can reach eight to ten feet and they must be staked or caged for support. They are perfect for fresh eating over a longer period of time."
Tomatoes for Cooking
'Amish Paste' – The origin of this tomato is a bit of a mystery. Still, some sources say that the seeds were initially collected from the Lancaster County Amish community. This plum-shaped tomato is a favorite for cooking and sauces. Heirloom. Indeterminate.
'Hungarian Heart' – As the name suggests, this tomato was first grown in Eastern Europe. It is a classic oxheart tomato shape that grows to a large size and has few seeds. Heirloom. Indeterminate.
'San Marzano' – Developed in Italy as a sauce tomato, this variety would probably win a contest among Penn State Master Gardeners as the best-loved for cooking. Flavorful, meaty flesh is found right inside the skin. Heirloom. Indeterminate.
Tomatoes to Eat Fresh
'Dr. Wyche's Yellow' – Legend has it that the Oklahoma dentist who originated this tomato variety fertilized the plants with elephant dung from an overwintering circus. Even without the original fertilizer, these golden-yellow fruits weigh a pound or more. Heirloom. Indeterminate.
'Green Zebra' – This full-sized tomato is named for its green color that turns yellowish as it ripens, accentuating darker green stripes. Fruit is relatively small but an excellent addition to salads. Heirloom. Indeterminate.
'Pineapple' – A sweet, very large tomato with a variegated red, orange, and yellow appearance. Great for slicing. Heirloom. Indeterminate.
Cherry Tomatoes
Master Gardeners seem to prefer yellow cherry tomatoes! The favorites mentioned below represent a range of pale yellow to golden-orange colors.
'Gold Nugget' – Reputed to develop early in the season, this variety is a golden cherry tomato. Developed by Dr. James Baggett of Oregon State University, it is suited to the climate in the Northwest. Yet, Pennsylvania gardeners cite it as a favorite. Heirloom. Determinate.
'Lemon Drop' – This cherry tomato is pale, almost translucent yellow, and can tolerate cool and wet growing conditions. Heirloom. Indeterminate.
'Sun Gold' – Small, sweet fruits are an attractive golden-orange color. 'Sun Gold' tomatoes ripen early and continue to bear prolifically throughout the season. Hybrid. Indeterminate.
All-Round Favorites
These tomato varieties are reputed to be excellent for cooking and eating fresh.
'German Red Strawberry' – This is a large tomato, despite the name. A classic oxheart or large strawberry shape, this tomato is valued for sandwiches, salads, canning, and soups. Heirloom. Indeterminate.
'Health Kick Hybrid' – This tomato contains 50% more antioxidant lycopene than most tomatoes. Its fans find it delicious when eaten fresh and great for tomato sauce. Hybrid. Determinate.
Source : psu.edu