Gardeners began to grow black tomatoes rather recently. In the middle of the last century, breeders decided to conduct a fascinating experiment. By crossing wild tomatoes and ordinary red, black tomatoes were bred , the varieties of which have since won the hearts of gardeners. These vegetables do not cease to amaze lovers of beds with their exotic appearance and undeniable advantages.
Black tomatoes: what are they?
Sometimes on the Internet you can read information about whether aronia varieties of tomatoes are genetically modified. This is not a true statement. Currently, the state register of selection achievements contains a huge number of varieties obtained by conventional breeding.
What is the nature of the black color of the species? More precisely, it would be called not black, but changing from violet-brown to chocolate. This color is obtained if red and purple pigments are mixed. The red color is given to tomatoes by the coloring substances they contain - carotenoids and lycopene, and purple is obtained due to the presence of anthocyanins in vegetables, which, as a result of mixing, produce a whole gamut of colors. Anthocyanins are a fairly common pigment among vegetables. They are found in eggplant, beets, cabbage (red cabbage). Black tomatoes have the form of a bush, leaves, like ordinary tomatoes.
The properties
From other types, black tomatoes are primarily distinguished by exotic coloring. The color of unripe fruits is absolutely identical to the color of ordinary tomatoes. In addition, many note a particularly rich taste of black fruits. Some gardeners forever abandon the usual red tomatoes, once tasted black tomatoes, the varieties of which are also considered more useful than ordinary red ones, since they have a pronounced antioxidant effect, significantly strengthen the heart, improve brain function.
The anthocyanins contained in these unusual fruits are known for their high antioxidant activity, which provides a favorable environment for the fight against cancer cells. Anthocyanins also help to increase the protective properties of the immune system, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and relieve swelling.
Black tomatoes also have high levels of lycopene (Vitamin I), which provides effective treatment for prostate adenoma. Carotenoids contained in black fruits, especially provitamin A, significantly improve vision. The presence of a special combination of beneficial substances in black fruits provides the property of aphrodisiacs that improve sexual function.
In addition, they help prevent the appearance of cholesterol plaques, inhibit oxidative processes in cells, and have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. It is also known that black tomatoes have a strengthening effect on the immune system. With their help, you can remove swelling; they strengthen vision; on the one hand, they improve digestion and appetite, on the other hand, they promote weight loss.
Most black-fruited varieties differ from ordinary varieties in taste too. Sometimes black tomatoes reviews are defined as tasteless. The fact is that aronia varieties are distinguished by an increased amount of sugars and a harmoniously balanced sugar-acid index. Only if the fruits have a ratio of organic acid to sugar in a ratio of 2.5 to 1 do tomatoes have a particularly pleasant taste.
Due to the presence of such a complex of useful properties, this product is recommended for people who are taking care of their health. The enormous benefits that black tomatoes bring to the body are truly enormous. Varieties of the species are presented on the market in a wide variety, so gardeners who want to grow black tomatoes in their beds have a difficult choice.
Varieties
Black tomatoes are tasty and healthy. The general positive impression of them is somewhat overshadowed by the fact that they are considered little suitable for conservation. In addition, when added to a salad, they can ruin its aesthetic appeal.
Currently, black tomatoes, the varieties of which are estimated at several dozens of names, are recommended by experienced gardeners as the most productive, tasty and precocious. When choosing, you can also be guided by many other criteria. In this article, we restrict ourselves to a description of the most famous and popular varieties.
De Barao
This variety enjoys special attention of summer residents. Known varieties of "de barao" yellow, red, pink, gold, black, and others. Gardeners distinguish the following characteristics common to them.
De Barao is considered a mid-season variety. The bush is very powerful and tall, so it requires an indispensable garter to the supports. Fruits usually ripen on the 125th day. The variety belongs to the category of high-yielding. The color of the fruit is violet-brown, the shape is elongated. According to reviews, tomatoes are very tasty, sweet. According to experienced gardeners, they are great for pickles. De barao tomatoes are grown in closed soil. The variety is characterized by increased disease resistance.
Judging by consumer reviews, black tomato “de barao” is somewhat inferior to its relatives, having a different color, in different parameters. The sizes of black fruits, as evidenced by the reviews, are smaller than yellow or red, their taste also causes some complaints. Tomato is an indeterminate type, its bush height is more than 2 meters, it is shade-hardy and cold-resistant. The first inflorescence is usually laid over 9-11 leaves, the next appear every 3 leaves. The fruits of dark cherry or black color are juicy and have a sweet taste.
Growing technology
This variety is very demanding in care. The cultivation technology of "de barao" is different from the technology of growing other hybrids. So, it is advisable to sow the seeds of this variety for seedlings 2 weeks earlier than other varieties. This should be done in mid-March. After germination and the appearance of leaves, seedlings must be dived. After the earth has warmed up properly, seedlings can be transplanted into a greenhouse or in open ground. It is better to do this in the morning in cloudy weather or in the evening - so the seedlings are better accepted. For 1 square. m should be planted no more than 2 plants.
After the seedlings take root well (after 2 weeks), tomato growth is significantly accelerated. At this time, the plant should be fertilized with superphosphate and organic fertilizers. In addition to the garter to the additional support, the bush must be formed in 1 or 2 stems, it is recommended to systematically remove extra stepsons. The plant requires abundant watering. The variety has a fairly developed root system, which quickly absorbs water. Under each bush, it is recommended to pour 3 buckets of water every 4 days. In order to improve ventilation, yellowed leaves, as well as leaves from the lower branches, should be cut off.
"Black Gourmet"
Tomato "black gourmet" is positioned by gardeners as a "real temptation." The fruits of this variety are very beautiful, they have a rich pomegranate color, excellent aroma, juiciness and taste. They have a rounded shape, rather dense. Fruits have a thin skin, but are not prone to cracking. Weight - up to 110 g. This variety belongs to the mid-season category and is intended for growing under the film in greenhouses. The bush is quite tall, requires garter to additional support and formation.
Tomato "black gourmet" is considered ideal for fresh consumption, canning, preparation of salads and juices.
Sowing seedlings is recommended to be carried out 2 months before planting in the soil. When landing on 1 square. m place up to 4 bushes. Seeds should be planted in mid-spring. The best place to plant tomatoes is the zone, which accounts for up to 8 hours of sunlight per day. Several seeds are laid in a hole up to 5 cm deep and with a diameter up to 10 cm, abundantly watered with water, which are carefully sprinkled on top with loose soil. Along the edges of the pit can be sprinkled with wood ash. Wells are located at a distance of 40 cm, beds - at a distance of 50 cm. Tomatoes are not recommended to be filled, but it is also impossible to dry them. It is best to water 2 times a week, depending on the weather.
Sprouted sprouts in order to strengthen them should be tied. The lower leaves of the tomato are recommended to be torn off. Experts recommend the plant regularly (every 2-3 weeks), but it is not plentiful to fertilize with substances with a low nitrogen content. Growth time - 3 months, maturation occurs 5 months after the germination of the stem.
Black Moor (tomato): description
This variety is called by users one of the most popular. Belongs to the category of mid-season. The ripening time of the fruit is approximately 115 days. “Black Moor” is called one of the most productive varieties, giving 4-6 kg of fruit from each very powerful bush. Tomatoes are small, drop-shaped, weighing 50 g. The skin peel color is cherry-brown, the ripe fruit pulp has an unusual red-brown hue. The taste of ripened tomatoes is sweet.
An unusually long brush develops in the bush, in which about 18 cherry-brown thick-skinned fruits are tied. On one bush, up to 9-10 brushes can be tied, and it does not need to be formed. In their reviews, gardeners call the bush of the variety "black moor" strewn with tomatoes.
According to the authors of the reviews, these tomatoes are suitable for harvesting, and for use fresh. They are recommended to grow in closed ground.
Seeds should be kept in the cold for several days, then pickled with potassium permanganate. At the end of March, they are recommended to be transplanted into prepared earthen furrows up to 3 cm deep, water, cover with a film and then grow at a temperature of 20 ° C. After the sprouts sprout, the shelter is removed, and the seedlings are set in a bright place. Diving is carried out in a phase of 2 sheets. Before transferring to the soil within a week, seedlings are hardened. After a month and a half, seedlings are planted in soil poured with warm water. Between the pits leave a distance of up to 10 cm, between the beds - 12–13 cm. Care of the plant consists in loosening the earth and weeding from weed grass. Watering is recommended as needed.
Since the variety is carpal, it is necessary to tie branches, remove unnecessary stepsons. In order to increase the productivity of the brush, it is recommended to shake to create the effect of vibration. In addition, regular fertilizing with fertilizers is necessary.
The Negro
Variety of tomato "Negro" refers to the type of tall, indeterminate. It differs in fruits with a rounded ribbed shape, the color of which resembles dark chocolate (the range varies from dark red to brownish), with a glossy surface and juicy red flesh. Their mass reaches 500 g. The authors of numerous reviews note that tomatoes of this variety have excellent taste and are suitable for slices, salads, sauces and juices. As a disadvantage, consumers call the ability of the fruit to crack at the base.
"Negro" is grown in the middle lane in greenhouses. Sown for seedlings 45-60 days before planting, depending on the degree of illumination. The distance between the bushes should be approximately 50 cm, a garter is required. Formation is made in 1 or 2 stems. Typically, the bush reaches a height of 2 m. It responds well to feeding. Productivity reaches 4 kg per bush. The variety is classified as mid-season. The fruits are harvested on the 110th day.
"Black elephant"
The tomato variety "black elephant" belongs to the mid-season category and is intended for cultivation in film shelters and on the open ground. It is indeterminate, requiring the formation and garter. The first inflorescence is usually laid over 8-9 leaves. Subsequent tab - after 3 sheets. The color of the ripe fruit is black-brown, weight 180-350 g. The bush is stunted, the authors of the reviews call the leaves “potato” because of their shape.
The first crop ripens on the 110th day. The fruit yield is up to 3 kg per bush. According to reviews, tomatoes of the variety "black elephant" are very tasty, slightly sour. They are distinguished by delicate thin skin and fleshy flesh. "Black Elephant" is considered the best variety for open ground, although many achieve good results when grown in film greenhouses.
Reviewers recommend using tomatoes of this variety fresh or for salads. According to summer residents, they are not suitable for pickles due to the presence of a thin skin.
Conclusion
Lovers of black tomatoes are not limited in choice. Currently, they are invited to dozens of black-fruited varieties. Black tomatoes have an amazing taste and extraordinary richness of properties that are beneficial to human health. Seeds of all varieties are available for sale.