Beefsteak Tomatoes – All You Need to Know | The Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are beefsteak tomatoes?

Is it any surprise that beefsteak tomatoes are one of the ‘meatiest’ and largest tomatoes out there? Beefsteak tomatoes are most known for their large size, firm texture, and meaty flesh. Because of its bigger size and juicy interior, beefsteak tomatoes are great for making fresh salsas and dips, adding slices to burgers, and tossing on the grill for a smoky flavor.

Beefsteak tomatoes come in vibrant red and bright green varieties. Red beefsteak tomatoes have a more traditional tomato flavor that is mild and balanced in taste. Green beefsteak tomatoes have more of a tart and tangy flavor profile.

When shopping for beefsteak tomatoes, be sure to choose ones that are vibrant in color, have smooth outer skin, and are firm to the touch. Beefsteak tomatoes should not have any visible dark spots, bruising, or cuts. Because they are often grown in warmer climates, beefsteak tomatoes (and tomatoes in general) fare best when stored at room temperature.

Where did beefsteak tomatoes originate from?

The beefsteak tomato originates from South America, particularly in the Andes regions of Chile, Peru, and Colombia. However, they are believed to have been domesticated in Mexico. In the early 16^th century, it is said that Mexican conquistador, Hernan Cortez, brought beefsteak tomatoes from Mexico to Europe. Tomatoes didn’t make their way to the United States until around the 1800s.

What is the nutritional value of beefsteak tomatoes?

In a standard beefsteak tomato, there are about 35 calories and 1 gram of protein. A typical beefsteak tomato holds about 40% of your Daily Value (DV) of vitamin C. Vitamin C is helpful for fighting off colds and building your immune system. There is 20% of your DV of vitamin A in a standard beefsteak tomato. Vitamin A helps with healthy skin and vision development. 2% of your DV in both iron and calcium are present in beefsteak tomatoes. Tomatoes in general are high in lycopene, a property said to help protect against prostate cancer and heart disease.

Keep in mind that the nutritional value of a beefsteak tomato, especially its potency in vitamin C, is higher when the tomatoes are eaten fresh. Canned or cooked tomatoes may lose some of their nutritional value. Field or vine-ripened tomatoes are believed to have a higher amount of vitamin C in comparison to tomatoes grown in greenhouses during the winter.

How are beefsteak tomatoes grown?

Beefsteak tomatoes typically have a growing season of (at least) 85 days to harvest. Because beefsteak tomatoes can grow quite large in size, they require a cage or stakes to support the heavy plant and its fruit. However, it is best to start growing beefsteak tomatoes indoors first around its ideal growing time in March. Make sure the tomatoes have hardened off before transplanting them outdoors, typically a few months later in May.

Tomato plants are often tied and trained to grow up a support structure, so make sure you have ample room and acquire cages or supportive stakes. Beefsteak tomato plants require 1-2 inches of water per week. Like other vegetables and plants, beefsteak tomatoes are prone to pests and certain growth-preventing diseases. Keep a careful watch as your plant continues to grow to ensure it remains healthy.

When are beefsteak tomatoes in season?

Beefsteak tomatoes are available year-round in grocery stores, but their peak season is during the warm summer months.

How to store beefsteak tomatoes

Because they come from warmer climates, whole beefsteak tomatoes (and tomatoes in general) store best when in a room temperature environment (above 60 degrees). When temperatures are below 60 degrees, it can change the tomato’s texture, altering it from firm to mushy. Storing tomatoes in the fridge can also cause the ingredient to lose flavor. Some people recommend storing ripe tomatoes with the stem side down in an open container. The tomato should last a few days when stored at room temperature but should be consumed as soon as possible.

While room temperature is best for whole tomatoes, if you slice your tomatoes and are saving them for later, store the tomatoes in a bag or container and place them in the fridge to prevent bacterial growth.

If you have an unripe tomato that needs a little TLC, place it in a paper bag with a banana. Loosely close the ends to seal the bag. The ethylene gas from the banana will cause the tomato to ripen faster. Keep an eye on the tomato to make sure it doesn’t over-ripen before you have a chance to eat it.

How to tell if beefsteak tomatoes are bad

When ripe, beefsteak tomatoes should be bold in color and firm to the touch. Look for tomatoes that are smooth and have no visible dark spots, cuts, or bruises. A beefsteak tomato that has started to spoil may become wrinkly in appearance and may have a mushy or mealy texture.

If you are looking to have your groceries conveniently delivered, you can easily shop for beefsteak tomatoes and more via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Browse beefsteak tomatoes.

What can I substitute for beefsteak tomatoes?

Beefsteak tomatoes can be substituted for a wide variety of other tomatoes. If you’re looking for something smaller than a beefsteak tomato, Roma tomatoes are smaller and more oval in appearance. Grape or cherry tomatoes are bite-sized and make great additions to salads.

If you don’t have access to fresh tomatoes, using canned or stewed tomatoes works just fine and are great pantry staples.

Or try adding sun-dried tomatoes to freshly baked bread, pasta, or protein.

These tomato substitutes will vary in taste and textures from their fresh counterparts but will offer a new flavor profile and chance to experiment with fun (and tasty!) new recipes.

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