Many tomato enthusiasts, like my dear Roger, believe that tomatoes should only be red. If he had his way, every plant in our garden would produce red, round fruits. However, I prefer a bit of variety. This year, two of our twelve tomato plants will be non-red varieties, ripening in shades of yellow, orange, green, or even with a purple blush. These non-red tomatoes not only add color and variety to our summer meals but may also help deter pests like stink bugs that are drawn to red fruits.
While non-red tomatoes aren’t as rich in lycopene and beta-carotene as their red counterparts, they each bring something unique to the table. The flavor profiles of these tomatoes vary widely, thanks to their distinct genetics. Here are some of my favorite non-red varieties, which I’ve gathered over three decades of gardening experience.
Delicious Yellow Tomatoes
Sungold Cherry (65 days)
One of the sweetest cherry tomato varieties, ‘Sungold’ consistently wins taste tests, with a sugar content (Brix rating) of 10 or more. These tomatoes taste like fresh berries, without the bitterness found in some other cherries. The vigorous vines require sturdy cages, and the ripe fruit must be harvested daily in late summer. With just one plant, you’ll have an abundance of small, golden fruits that can be frozen whole or dried for later use.
Garden Peach (75 days)
Introduced to home gardeners in 1862, ‘Garden Peach’ produces small, pink-blushed yellow fruits with a light fuzz, much like peaches. A landrace variety from Peru, it thrives in humid conditions and even seems to deter pests like fruitworms and stink bugs. For the best flavor, let the tomatoes ripen at room temperature until they soften. Their texture and mild sweetness make them a unique addition to any garden.
Persimmon (80 days)
‘Persimmon’ is a large, juicy beefsteak variety with vibrant yellow-orange fruits. This heirloom is known for its reliability and resistance to late blight. If you prefer big, meaty slices for sandwiches or salads, this variety is a must-grow.
Best Black Tomato
Black Krim (80 days)
A Russian heirloom, ‘Black Krim’ produces large, purplish-black tomatoes with rich, robust flavor. The plants are sturdy and provide excellent leaf cover for the fruits. These tomatoes are often described as having a smoky flavor, though they are primarily known for their complex, deep taste. Despite their beauty, I’ve found that the ‘Indigo’ varieties, rich in anthocyanins, often fall short in flavor and have been disappointing in my garden.
Green Tomatoes
Green Zebra (75 days)
A modern heirloom, ‘Green Zebra’ features green-striped fruits that change from lime green to yellow when ripe. These tomatoes have a tangy, slightly sweet flavor, making them a great choice for salads, particularly when paired with cucumbers. Green Zebra is a sturdy, trouble-tolerant plant that fares well even in challenging conditions like late blight.
Lime Green Salad (60 days)
For smaller spaces or containers, try the compact ‘Lime Green Salad’. Reaching just 24 inches in height, it produces small yellow-green fruits with a fruity-tart flavor. These tomatoes are perfect for marinated salads and can even substitute for tomatillos in salsas.
Non-red tomatoes bring a refreshing variety to your garden and meals. Whether you’re drawn to their unique colors, flavors, or pest-repelling properties, these varieties offer something special for every gardener. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t find seeds from your usual supplier—local nurseries and farmers’ markets often carry these distinctive varieties. And if you have your own favorites, please share them! The world of non-red tomatoes is vast, and there’s always room for more discovery.