Beefsteak Tomato

What is beefsteak tomato?

Beefsteak tomato is one of the largest tomato varieties with a meaty and firm flesh. This exceptionally fleshy fruit belonging to the indeterminate kind of tomatoes continues yielding until frost kills it. Its attractive size, juicy taste, and rich nutrient content make it a preferred culinary choice.

Beefsteak Tomato

Other names

In Spanish: Tomate Beefsteak
In French: Beefsteak Tomate
In Latin: Beefsteak Consectetur
British English: Beef Tomato

Description

Beefsteak is a giant-sized tomato, with an average weight of 1 to 2 pounds. Wide and bulky at the center and comparatively flattened at the top and bottom, this variety often comes with a ribbed exterior and several little locules (seed compartments).

Their common colors include light red and orange along with variations like pink and purple.

Besides its juicy flavor, it has a typical tomato taste, though some varieties may be sweeter.

Tomato Beefsteak

Varieties

Some of the common types of beefsteak tomatoes include:

Brandywine (a pink-colored heirloom variety)
Beefmaster VFN (hybrid)
Big Beef
Beefsteak VFN
Red Ponderosa
Cherokee Purple
Coustralee
Mortgage Lifter
Marmande

Nutritional data

Given below is the nutritional information for 148 grams of raw beefsteak tomato.

Nutrients	Amount	Daily Value
Calories	5	0%
Total Fat	0g	–
Cholesterol	0mg	–
Potassium	0mg	–
Sodium	20mg	1%
Carbohydrates	5g	–
Glucose	3g	–
Fiber	1g	5%
Protein	1g	–
Vitamin A	180μg	20%
Vitamin C	36mg	60%
Iron	0.3mg	5%
Calcium	20mg	2%

Beefsteak Tomatoes

Health benefits of beefsteak tomato: What is it good for

For bones

Studies have deduced that the presence of the antioxidant, lycopene, in all tomato varieties, facilitates in preventing bone loss by slowing the breakdown of the bone cells. Including it as a part of your salads and soup may benefit in keeping bone-related concerns like osteoporosis at bay.

Enhances heart health

Beefsteak tomatoes help to minimize bad cholesterol and triglycerides lessening chances of heart diseases. Recent research states that the rich content of phytonutrients, flavonoids as well as fatty acids in all tomato varieties ensures a good heart health, also helping to fight hypertension, that is one of the key factors triggering a cardiac problem.

Cancer preventive properties

Studies suggest that they contain anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory substances such as alpha-tomatine, a phytonutrient found in tomatoes that have been shown to hinder the development of prostate cancer cells in men. Its lycopene content is also said to be beneficial in combating the malignant cells, though more research is needed to validate the same.

Heirloom Beefsteak Tomato

Weight loss

Because of its low calorie content, beefsteak tomato is considered to be a healthy diet option for reducing weight.

Immunity booster

The presence of the antioxidant lycopene helps in inhibiting free radical damage, while its Vitamin C content aids in maintaining a healthy immune system, also keeping common ailments like cough and cold at bay.

Including beefsteak tomato as a part of your daily diet may, therefore, contribute towards maintaining an overall sound health.

Eye health

The high Vitamin A content helps improving eyesight, also minimizing the risk of cataract progression.

For skin and hair

The lycopene in it contributes towards maintaining a healthy hair and skin. Besides consumption, tomato pulp or juice may also be applied to skin and hair externally like a mask to get rid of tan and to condition your hair for a silky smooth shine.

Beefsteak Tomato Pictures

Can beefsteak tomato be bad for you?

Although it is good for health if taken in controlled portions, excessive consumption of any tomato variety, including the beefsteak, may lead to digestive disorders alongside other adverse effects.

During pregnancy

Being high in many vitamins and minerals including Vitamin B1, B2, C, folate and iron, beefsteak may be a good diet option for pregnant women. However, consult a doctor while adding it to your diet when pregnant.

Beefsteak Tomato Seeds

What is beefsteak tomato used for

Fresh raw or grilled beefsteak tomatoes may be sliced to make for a great ingredient in a variety of salads along with other ingredients.
The rich flavor and fleshy, succulent texture of beefsteak tomatoes make it a favorite ingredient for soups, pasta, salsa sauces or ketchup.
It serves as a healthy side-dish when braised or roasted with meat and fish or stuffed with cheese, sweet corn, basil, oregano, etc.
Their sweet taste makes them used in desserts.
These big-sized tomatoes make an ideal topping for burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches.

How to prepare and cook beefsteak tomatoes

To cut and slice

First wash the tomato well and make sure the core is facing upwards before you start cutting. Then hold it firmly and remove the core with a sharp knife.

To dice, take a large knife, and cut through the middle. Take one-half of the tomato, place the inner flat surface on the cutting board, and cut vertically into pieces that are 1 cm wide or of the desired length. Turn the sliced set of tomatoes horizontally, again chop them into 1 cm square cubes and repeat.

To get completely round tomato slices for salads, turn it sideways on its curved surface. Run the knife down slowly and steadily at the edge to get discs of the desired thickness.

How to prepare

Since these tomatoes are quite flavorful and fleshy, the best way to cook them is to roast them with a few drops of extra virgin olive oil. It can also be pan fried for a few seconds with vegetables and a pinch of salt. However, be careful not to cook it too much as it will ruin the natural succulent texture of the tomatoes.

Beefsteak Tomato Recipes

Recipes

Beefsteak tomato tartare
Beefsteak tomato tart with asiago cheese and thyme
Beefsteak tomato and mozzarella salad
Bruschetta with beefsteak tomatoes
Crispy Parmesan Tomato Chips
Grilled Tofu and Beefsteak Tomatoes with Fennel-Onion Chutney
Summer Panzanella Salad
Romaine Pesto and Egg Stuffed Beefsteak Tomatoes
Beef and Beefsteak Tomato Burger

Beefsteak Tomato Salad

How to store

Put the beefsteak tomatoes in the fridge only after they have ripened enough and have acquired a uniform red color. Refrigerating them for too long or in an extremely chilly or cold temperature may dry out the fruit and ruin its flavor and freshness. Since beefsteak tomatoes are quite heavy, spread them out and in a single layer inside the fridge and handle carefully to avoid bruising.

Where to buy

Due to their size, beefsteak tomatoes are not grown commercially that often as compared to other types, since they are not suitable for mechanization. Therefore, it may be difficult to find these tomatoes at every vendor or grocery store. A viable option is to order them online from a reliable source. They can also be quite easy to grow in your home garden.

How to pick fresh beefsteak tomatoes

Select beefsteak tomatoes that are a uniform red or dark orange in color as the greenish or yellowish ones are unripe. Slightly squeeze the tomato to make sure it isn’t too mushy or too hard.

Beefsteak Tomato Plant Seedling

Interesting facts

The Mortgage Lifter variety earned its name in the 1940s when Marshall Byles, a tomato cultivator, sold his tomato seedlings for $1 each to pay off his $6000 mortgage.
Beefsteak tomatoes are the most popular kind of home- grown tomato in North America.