Yellow tomatoes are indeterminate large globe shaped tomatoes of genus nightshade. This tomato is counterpart to regular and better known red tomato varieties. Yellow tomatoes are slicer tomatoes with low acidity and a sweet taste. When planted, they take 72 to 80 days to harvest.
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History of Yellow Tomato
Many believe that tomatoes started off yellow. To the contrary, red tomatoes only appeared later. They came about as a result of natural mutation, domestication and breeding of the original yellow tomato. Tomatoes started off as indeterminate varieties. Today there are tens of thousands of tomato varieties, determinate and indeterminate, of different colors, shapes and sizes. Nonetheless, it all started with the yellow tomato.
The Spanish introduced the small cherry-sized yellow tomato to Europe in the early 16th century. The wild species of the tomato had itself originated in South America in what is thought to be Peru and Ecuador. The Italians joined the Spanish in finally adopting the tomato as a culinary element. Prior to that, the yellow tomato was thought to be poisonous. It was only desired for decorative purposes.
In 1544, Pietro Andrea Gregorio Mattioli, an Italian physician and botanist, referred to the yellow tomato as ‘the golden apple’ or mala aurea in Latin. Mattioli’s expert work on plants is used as evidence supporting the early introduction of yellow tomatoes to Europe.
Although the original yellow tomato was small, today’s yellow tomato is a globular-shaped much bigger tomato.
Yellow Tomato Characteristics
The yellow tomato can be described as big to the size of an apple. It can weigh as much as 200g. An average apple weighs between 150g and 200g. This ties in well with ‘the golden apple’ attributes given to the yellow tomato early on in Europe.
The tomato has different shades of yellow depending on variety.
Furthermore, the modern yellow tomato has a rounded globe-like shape. It is a fleshy fruit, firm to the touch, with a thick skin which makes it an ideal slicing tomato. In this regard, it joins another popular slicing tomato in the Early Girl. Sliced open, the yellow tomato reveals thick whitish flesh and a handful of edible seeds.
Taste wise, yellow tomatoes are sweet, milder and succulent with a high water content. They have lower acidity than the red tomato. For this reason, yellow tomatoes are considered a viable alternative for individuals avoiding red tomatoes for their acidity.
The following table summarizes the main characteristics of the yellow tomato.
| Item | Charecteristic |
|---|---|
| Color when ripe | Yellow, Golden Yellow |
| Shape | Attractive, globe shaped |
| Weight | Up to 207g per tomato |
| Taste | Sweet, low acidity, packed with flavor |
| Selling Point | Slicing tomato, colorful |
| Type | Indeterminate, hybrid |
| Origin | South America |
| Grow Area | Small gardens, containers, commercial fields |
| Mature Height | 1.8m to 2.4m (6-8ft) |
| Mature Width | 61cm to 91cm (24in-36in) |
| Home Growing Difficulty | Easy |
| Maturity | 72 to 80 days |
| Yield | High yield |
| US Growing Zones | 9-11 |
| Disease Resistance | Verticillium wilt (V), fusarium wilt (F), nematodes (N), alternaria stem canker (A), and gray leaf spot (St) |
Popular Yellow Tomato Varieties
Many yellow tomato varieties have emerged since the 16th Century through mutation and breeding. Popular modern yellow tomato varieties include Lemon Boy, Dr. Wyche’s Yellow tomato, Earl of Edgecombe, Dixie Golden Giant and Golden Jubilee.
Lemon Boy
Lemon Boy is a hybrid yellow tomato with a lemon-yellow skin. It ripens in 72 days. Typical of yellow tomatoes, this variety has a thick skin, is meaty and suitable for slicing. It is slightly tangy, while at the same time sweet and mild. The Lemon Boy tomato grows to 9cm (3.5in) in diameter. The plant is highly adaptable.
Dr. Wyche’s Yellow tomato
This tomato variety takes its name from Dr. John Wyche who died in 1985. It was initially named Hot Yellow. It was to be renamed in honor of Wyche who shared the seeds of this variety before his death. This yellow tomato variety is high yielding. It is an heirloom tomato. When ripe, the tomato turns to an attractive golden-yellow color. Dr. Wyche’s Yellow heirloom tomato ripens in 80 days.
Earl of Edgecombe
This heirloom variety is originally from New Zealand. It is sometimes referred to as the New Zealand Earl of Edgecombe. On the plant, this yellow tomato typically fruits in clusters of two or more.The fruits tend to be uniformly round and firm. The tomato has an adorable balance of acidity and sweetness. The tomato matures for harvest between 73 and 78 days.
Dixie Golden Giant
The Dixie Golden Giant yellow tomato is considered a rare heirloom. Its origin has been associated with the Amish. In keeping with its name, the tomato variety grows to weigh up to 1kg or 2lbs. It has an excellent flavor with little to no acid. Apart from slicing, this variety is suitable for canning.
Golden Jubilee
The Golden Jubilee yellow tomato is an heirloom. It first appeared on the market in the United States in the early 1940s.The tomato is favorably grown in most parts of the US. The variety has a golden-orange color when ripe. It has a well rounded shape and is very meaty with few seeds. The tomato grows to about 340 grams. The Golden Jubilee is ready for harvest in 80 days.
What to do with Yellow Tomatoes
Yellow tomato is renowned as a suitable slicing tomato. The tomato is sliced for burgers and sandwiches. It can also be sliced and drizzled with dressing for snacking. Furthermore, yellow tomatoes are added to raw salads to add color. In these applications the tomato performs well in its raw state.
Low acidity in yellow tomatoes makes them a healthy alternative to red tomatoes.
When cooked, yellow tomatoes tend to break down and become watery. This is desirable when doing stews and soups. It may not be desirable when preparing dishes that do require the extra juices.
Simple Yellow Tomato Sauce Recipe (Video)
Suggested recipes for yellow tomatoes include Yellow Tomato Sauce and Golden Tomato Sauce. In this video Golden Jubilee heirloom tomatoes are used to make tomato sauce. Included in the recipe is extra virgin olive oil, sweet peppers, garlic, and spicy mini bell pepper.
How to Grow Yellow Tomatoes
Yellow tomatoes are grown from seeds or by propagation in well-draining nutrient rich soils. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic and not exceeding 6.8. The plants require at least 6 hours of full sun per day. Plants are spaced at 90cm (36in) apart. Harvest of a mature fruit is in 80 days. Furthermore, care is taken to avoid excess nitrogen in the soil. This causes the plant to become lush green with much foliage but little to no fruit.
Yellow tomato is scientifically named Solanum lycopersicum. It belongs to the Solanaceae, or nightshade family. This is the same genus as most other tomato varieties including the red tomato. This means the yellow tomato is fundamentally grown the same way as other tomatoes.
Yellow tomatoes are planted into the ground at the end of frost. As an indeterminate tomato, the yellow tomato plant continues to fruit throughout the summer season. However, disease and pests can affect the vines resulting in fruits failing.
Seasoned growers start yellow tomato seedlings indoors during the middle of winter. Once frost ends, the seedlings are transplanted into the ground. This approach gives the plants a head-start resulting in an early and prolonged harvest during the season.
The yellow tomato variety can grow as tall as 2m. Stakes or trellises will be required to support the vine. In addition, pruning is essential for optimum yields. Pruning also prevents certain diseases and discourages pests.
Depending on variety, yellow tomatoes are resistant to a range of diseases including verticillium wilt (V), fusarium wilt (F), nematodes (N), alternaria stem canker (A), and gray leaf spot (St).
Conclusion
Yellow tomatoes go back to the 16th century. There were yellow tomatoes first before red tomatoes became dominant. Today, there are many popular yellow tomato varieties. The yellow tomato is well known for its sweetness and low acidity compared to the red tomato. The tomato is applied in a variety of culinary recipes but is at best consumed raw. Most parts of the US support growing this variety. Yellow tomatoes share grow requirements with the rest of the tomato family. For early harvest, yellow tomato seedlings are started indoors in the middle of winter and transplanted to the ground when frost ends.
Go to our in-depth feature on Indeterminate Tomatoes
Go to our in-depth feature on How to Grow Tomatoes
