The Black Beauty tomato is a visually striking heirloom variety known for its nearly black skin, which develops due to high levels of anthocyanin antioxidants. Inside, it has deep red flesh and a rich, savory, smoky, and sweet-tangy flavor that is more complex than traditional tomatoes. These tomatoes are great for slicing, salads, and cooking, and they have a long shelf life, with flavor that can even improve with storage.
Skin: A deep, almost black-purple color on the top, often with a reddish-burgundy blush on the bottom when fully ripe.
Flesh: Deep red to raspberry-colored.
Shape: Typically round and meaty.
Flavor and texture
Flavor profile: Rich, savory, and smooth, with earthy and smoky notes, and a balanced sweetness and tanginess.
Texture: Meaty and juicy.
Growing and harvesting
Growing habit: Indeterminate (vining) plant.
Sun exposure: The "black" color intensifies with more sun exposure.
Harvesting: Ripens in the mid to late season (around 80-85 days from transplant) and should be harvested when the shaded base starts to blush.
Storage: Hangs well on the vine and stores well at room temperature, with its flavor often improving over time.
Slicing for sandwiches and burgers
Salads
Sauces, roasting, and cooking
| Type |
Tomato |
| Family |
Nightshade Family |
| Temperature Soil |
70F |
| Temperature Daytime |
70-85F |
| Temperature Evening |
65+F |
| Lighting |
Light, Full, 6-8 Hours / Day |
| Water |
Heavy, 9 Gal / Day |
| Maturity |
Long, 65-100 Days |
| PH Neutral |
Ph Neutral, 5.5-6.8 |
| Zones |
2A-10b |
| Plant Placement |
2 Plants, 2 Per Row |