Black tomatoes gardeners began to grow relatively recently. In the middle of the last century, breeders decided to conduct some fascinating experiment. By crossing wild tomatoes and ordinary red tomatoes, black tomatoes were bred, varieties of which have since won the hearts of gardeners. These vegetables never cease to amaze garden lovers with their exotic look and undeniable virtues.
Black tomatoes: what are they?
Sometimes on the Internet you can read information that chokeberry varieties of tomatoes are genetically modified. This is not a completely correct statement. Currently, the state register of breeding achievements contains a huge number of varieties obtained through conventional breeding.
What is the nature of the black coloration of the species? It would be more accurate to call it not black, but changing from purple-brown to chocolate. This color is obtained by mixing red and purple pigments. The red color of tomatoes is given by the dyes contained in them -carotenoids and lycopene, and purple is obtained due to the presence of anthocyanins in vegetables, as a result of mixing which a whole gamut of colors is obtained. Anthocyanins are fairly common pigments in vegetables. They are found in eggplants, beets, cabbage (red). Black tomatoes have the same shape of a bush, leaves, as regular tomatoes.
Properties
Black tomatoes differ from other species in the first place by their exotic color. 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 having tried 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 in these unusual fruits are known for their high antioxidant activity, providing a favorable environment for fighting 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 contain high levels of lycopene (vitamin I), which can provide effective treatment for BPH. Carotenoids contained in black fruits, especially provitamin A, significantly improve vision. The presence of a special combination of useful substances in black fruits provides aphrodisiac properties that improve sexual function.
In addition, they contributeprevent the appearance of cholesterol plaques, inhibition of oxidative processes in cells, have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. Black tomatoes are also known to have a strengthening effect on the immune system. With their help, you can remove swelling; they strengthen eyesight; on the one hand, they improve digestion and appetite, on the other hand, they contribute to weight loss.
Most chokeberry varieties differ from the usual in taste. Sometimes black tomatoes reviews are defined as tasteless. The fact is that chokeberry varieties are distinguished by an increased amount of sugars and a harmoniously balanced sugar-acid index. Only if there is a ratio of organic acid and sugar in the proportion of 2.5 to 1 in the fruit, tomatoes have a particularly pleasant taste.
Due to the presence of such a complex of useful properties, this product is recommended for people who care about their he alth. The benefits that black tomatoes bring to the body are truly enormous. There are a wide variety of varieties on the market, so gardeners who want to grow black tomatoes in their beds have a difficult choice.
Varieties
Black tomatoes are delicious and he althy. The general positive impression of them is somewhat overshadowed by the fact that they are considered not very suitable for conservation. In addition, when added to a salad, they can ruin its aesthetic appeal.
At present, black tomatoes, varieties of which number several dozen names, are recommended by experienced gardeners as the most productive, tasty and early ripening. When choosingyou can also be guided by many other criteria. In this article, we will limit ourselves to describing the most famous and popular varieties.
De Barao
This variety enjoys special attention of gardeners. Known varieties of "de barao" yellow, red, pink, gold, black, etc. Gardeners identify the following common characteristics for them.
"De barao" is considered a mid-season variety. The bush is very powerful and tall, therefore it requires an indispensable garter to the supports. The fruits usually ripen on the 125th day. The variety belongs to the category of high-yielding. The color of the fruit is purple-brown, the shape is elongated. According to reviews, tomatoes are very tasty, sweet. According to experienced gardeners, they are great for pickles. Tomatoes "de barao" are grown in closed soil. The variety is characterized by increased disease resistance.
The black tomato "de barao", judging by the feedback from consumers, is somewhat inferior to its relatives, which have a different color, in different parameters. The sizes of black fruits, according to reviews, are smaller than yellow or red ones, their taste also causes some criticism. The tomato belongs to the type of indeterminate, the height of its bush is more than 2 meters, it is shade-tolerant and cold-resistant. The first inflorescence is usually laid over 9-11 leaves, subsequent ones appear every 3 leaves. Dark cherry or black fruits are juicy and sweet.
Growing Technology
This variety is very demanding to care for. Growing technology"de barao" differs from the technology of growing other hybrids. So, it is desirable 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 dive. After the earth warms up well, the seedlings can be transplanted into a greenhouse or into 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 sq. m should plant no more than 2 plants.
After the seedlings are well rooted (after 2 weeks), the growth of tomatoes 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 into 1 or 2 stems, it is recommended to systematically remove the extra stepchildren. The plant requires abundant watering. The variety has a fairly developed root system, which quickly absorbs water. It is recommended to pour 3 buckets of water under each bush 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 are distinguished by a rich pomegranate color, excellent aroma, juiciness and taste. They have a rounded shape, quite dense. The fruits have a thin skin, but are not prone to cracking. Weight - up to 110 g. This variety belongs to the category of mid-season and is intended for growing under film ingreenhouses. The bush is quite tall, it requires a garter to additional support and formation.
Black gourmet tomato is considered ideal for fresh consumption, canning, salads and juices.
Sowing on seedlings is recommended to be carried out 2 months before planting in the soil. When landing on 1 sq. m place up to 4 bushes. Seeds should be planted in mid-spring. The best place to plant tomatoes is an area that receives up to 8 hours of sunlight per day. In a hole up to 5 cm deep and up to 10 cm in diameter, abundantly watered with water, several seeds are placed, which are neatly sprinkled on top with loose soil. Along the edges of the hole can be sprinkled with wood ash. The holes are placed at a distance of 40 cm, the beds - at a distance of 50 cm. Tomatoes are not recommended to be poured, but they should not be overdried either. It is best to water 2 times a week depending on the weather.
Sprouted sprouts should be tied up to strengthen them. The lower leaves of the tomato are recommended to be cut off. Experts recommend that the plant be fertilized regularly (once every 2-3 weeks), but lightly fertilized 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
Users call this variety one of the most popular. Belongs to the category of mid-season. Fruit ripening time 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 color of the skin of the fruit is cherry-brown, the flesh of the ripe fruit has an unusual red-brown tint. Ripe tomatoes taste sweet.
An unusually long raceme develops in the bush, in which about 18 cherry-brown thick-skinned fruits are tied. Up to 9-10 brushes can be tied on one bush, and it does not need to be formed. In their reviews, gardeners call the Black Moor bush strewn with tomatoes.
According to the authors of the reviews, these tomatoes are suitable for both harvesting and fresh use. It is recommended to grow them indoors.
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 earth furrows up to 3 cm deep, watered, covered with a film and then grown at a temperature of 20 ° C. After the sprouts sprout, the shelter is removed, and the seedlings are set in a bright place. The dive is carried out in phase 2 sheets. Before being transferred to the soil for a week, the seedlings are hardened. After a month and a half, the seedlings are planted in the soil, watered with warm water. A distance of up to 10 cm is left between the pits, and 12–13 cm between the beds. Plant care consists in loosening the earth and weeding from weeds. Watering is recommended as needed.
Since the variety is carpal, it is necessary to tie up the branches, remove the extra stepchildren. In order to increase the yield of the brush, it is recommended to shake it to create the effect.vibration, In addition, regular fertilizing is necessary.
Negro
Tomato variety "negro" refers to the type of tall, indeterminate. Distinguished by fruits of a rounded ribbed shape, the color of which resembles dark chocolate (gamma 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 an excellent taste and are suitable for cutting, 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. Sow 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 carried out in 1 or 2 stems. Usually the bush reaches a height of 2 m. It responds well to top dressing. The yield of the variety reaches 4 kg from one bush. The variety belongs to the category of mid-season. The fruits are harvested on the 110th day.
Black Elephant
The tomato variety "Black Elephant" belongs to the category of mid-ripening and is intended for cultivation in film shelters and on open ground. It is indeterminate, requiring shaping and garters. The first inflorescence is usually laid over 8-9 leaves. Bookmark subsequent - through 3 sheets. The color of the mature fruit is black-brown, weight is 180-350 g. The bush is undersized, the authors of the reviews call the leaves “potato” because of their shape.
The ripening of the first harvest occurs on the 110th day. Fruit yield - up to 3 kg per bush. According to reviews, black elephant tomatoes are very tasty, slightly sour. They are distinguished by a delicate thin skin and fleshy pulp. 'Black Elephant' is considered to be the best variety for outdoors, although many people achieve good results when growing it in plastic 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 thin skin.
Conclusion
Black tomato lovers are not limited in choice. At present, several dozen chokeberry varieties are offered to their attention. Black tomatoes have an amazing taste and an extraordinary we alth of properties that are beneficial to human he alth. Seeds of all varieties are available commercially.
