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Still, the name plays a very important role in the life of a tomato variety, and, indeed, in the life of a variety of any garden crop. After all, sometimes it even in the absence of a picture allows you to get an idea of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbhow a tomato may look like. A good example of such a picturesque name is Negro tomato. It becomes clear even to an inexperienced gardener that black is present in the color scheme of these tomatoes. But tomatoes of a similar color are still representatives of the exotic, and therefore not everyone knows how to handle them and how they differ from their counterparts of the traditional red hue.
In this article, you can get acquainted not only with the characteristics and description of the Negro tomato variety, but also understand how the fruits of tomatoes of a similar color differ from other tomatoes. And do these varieties have any specific growing characteristics.
Are there black tomatoes?
For those gardeners who have been growing various varieties of tomatoes for many years and have probably already tried several varieties, the so-called black tomatoes, it has long become obvious that there are no completely black tomatoes. At least, at the moment, breeders are not aware of them. What then is called black tomatoes?
Among them there are at least two varieties:
- A group of black-fruited tomatoes, which differ in the most diverse shades of fruit color from brown-green to brown-red-brown. Often, during the ripening of tomatoes, the shades can change and become purple, dark gray and even almost black in places.
The main thing about the fruits of this group is that the color of the skin and pulp basically coincides, and the same darkish shades appear in the cut of the tomato.
- The Indigo or blue-purple tomato group is distinguished by its dark blue or purple skin. In this group, you can even find absolutely black tomatoes, but only the skin of the fruit will be painted in such shades. If you cut the tomato, then the flesh will be completely different, most often the usual red color. In addition, the skin color of these varieties is often heterogeneous and is highly dependent on the growing conditions and the degree of ripening of the tomatoes. Yes, and the taste of the fruit is more determined by the very pulp that came from the mother plant and therefore can be unpredictable.
But many real black varieties, despite the rather significant heterogeneity in color and the absence of pure black as such, are more similar in taste. Since all of them are distinguished not only by a high content of sugars, but also by a harmonious balance of sugar and organic acids. It is this ratio (2,5 sugar : 1 acid) that gives that unique pleasant taste that characterizes many black-fruited tomatoes.
Do they have fundamental differences?
As it turned out, black tomatoes are not fundamentally different from their other tomato counterparts. The appearance of the bushes, the color and shape of the leaves and fruits in an immature state are no different from any other tomato plants. The color of ripening fruits is determined by a combination of red and purple pigments.
Lycopene and carotenoids are responsible for the red tint, which ordinary tomato varieties are rich in varying degrees.
The presence of anthocyanins in black tomatoes affects not only the color of the fruit, but also determines many additional beneficial properties of these tomatoes:
- Strengthen the protective properties of the immune system;
- Helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and relieve swelling;
- They are characterized by high antioxidant activity.
So black tomatoes, including Negro varieties, are very useful for people who are not indifferent to their health.
Variety description
Tomatoes of the Negritenok variety were obtained by the breeders of the Poisk agricultural company about 10 years ago and in 2010 were registered in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of Our Country. Tomato Negro belongs to a series of author’s varieties, although the specific name of the author remains unknown. Recommended for cultivation throughout Our Country in open ground or in greenhouse conditions.
Plants are indeterminate, therefore, they require without fail the entire set of procedures for caring for tomatoes: pinching, pruning, tying and shaping bushes. The bushes grow very powerful, on average their height in open ground is 1,5 meters, but in greenhouses they can grow up to two meters. The stems are strong, the leaves are medium in size, corrugated. Inflorescences are simple. The first flower brush is formed only after 10-12 leaves, subsequent brushes alternate every three leaves.
The ripening time of tomatoes of the variety “Negritenok” is average, from the moment of the appearance of full shoots and until the fruit turns brown, it takes about 110-115 days.
The yield of this variety cannot be called a record; under film shelters, it is approximately 6,5 kg of tomatoes per square meter of plantings. That is, from one tomato bush you can get from 1,5 to 2 kg of tomatoes.
Variety Negritenok shows resistance to many problems and diseases of nightshade. In particular, it resists tobacco mosaic virus, cladosporiosis and Alternaria leaf spot well.
Fruit Characteristics
Tomato Negro is more suitable for those vegetable growers who are focused not only on obtaining record yields, but on tasty, delicious and very healthy fruits for summer consumption.
The shape of these tomatoes is traditional, rounded. At the base of fruits, especially large ones, there is often a slight ribbing. The skin is smooth, the pulp is medium in density, quite juicy. The number of seed nests is 4-6 pieces.
Unripe fruits have the most common green color with a dark green spot at the stalk. As the fruit ripens, the color of the fruit becomes darker, especially at the base of the stem. In general, tomatoes turn purple.
Tomatoes are not very uniform in size. The first fruits on the lower brush are distinguished by a large mass – sometimes up to 300-400 grams. The rest of the tomatoes are not so big at all, their average weight is 120-160 grams.
The taste qualities of tomatoes of this variety are rated as good and excellent. According to many reviews, the sweetish and delicious taste of Negro fruit is very attractive. Others consider it somewhat bland.
Negro tomatoes are best consumed fresh, in salads. Due to their rather large size, the fruits are not very suitable for pickling and pickling in jars. But from these tomatoes, a very tasty dark aromatic tomato juice is obtained. They are also good for drying and freezing. They also make original pastas and sauces.
Tomatoes of this variety can be stored well for up to 1,5-2 months, they can, if desired, gain color at home.
Testimonials from truck drivers
Tomato Negritenok receives generally good reviews from gardeners, although many complain that his productivity could have been better. But what to do – you need to pay something for the taste and exoticism.
Conclusion
All lovers of tomatoes, and just people who are not indifferent to their health, should pay attention to the Negro tomato. After all, black varieties are still relatively rare in salads, and in the form of juices or pastes, these tomatoes will look inimitable. And their beneficial properties may help you solve some health problems.
