"Black tomatoes" are usually dark brown, purple or blue-violet varieties. In traditional dark varieties, the colour often comes from green chlorophyll under red fruit tissue. In indigo types, anthocyanins additionally build up mainly in the sun-exposed parts of the skin.
Why do tomatoes turn dark?
We distinguish between two colour mechanisms here. Varieties like Black Krim or Cherokee Purple develop their brown to purple tones from the interplay of red pigments with residual chlorophyll. Modern blue, or indigo, varieties, on the other hand, form anthocyanins in the skin - and the more sun these areas get, the stronger the blue-violet colouring becomes.
That doesn't mean every dark-looking tomato is automatically especially rich in anthocyanins, or comes with a guaranteed health benefit.
Dark tomato varieties compared
| Variety | Colour type | Fruit | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Krim | dark red to brown | large beefsteak tomato | salad, bread, fresh eating |
| Cherokee Purple | purple-red to brown | large and meaty | fresh eating and sandwiches |
| Black Cherry | dark red-brown | cocktail tomato | snacking and salad |
| Indigo Rose | blue-violet skin with red base ripeness | medium-sized | fresh eating and visual accent |
| Indigo Pear Drops | violet shoulder, yellowish base colour | small and pear-shaped | snacking and salad |
| Indigo Blue Beauty | blue-violet shoulder, red base ripeness | medium to large | fresh eating and cooking |
How our varieties develop each year, depending on the season and location, is something we see play out a little differently every year here in Illmitz. Whether a plant is currently available is shown directly on the product page - we offer young plants seasonally.
How do you tell when black tomatoes are ripe?
Don't rely on the dark shoulder alone. Ripe fruit gives slightly under gentle pressure, comes away from the stem more easily as is typical for the variety, and shows the ripeness change in its base colour. In indigo varieties, blue-violet areas can appear quite early, while the shaded underside is still green. It's better to wait for the variety's typical red, yellow or orange base colour before harvesting.
What do black tomatoes taste like?
We're happy to describe many traditional dark varieties as savoury, sweet-tart or complex in flavour. But flavour doesn't automatically follow from colour - variety, ripeness, sun, water supply and harvest timing all play a part too. It's best to check the description for our specific varieties directly.
Which dark tomato suits which spot?
- Small balcony: choose more compact growth habits or smaller fruit, and check the actual final height.
- Large container: grow vigorous cordon tomatoes with a sturdy support system.
- Open ground: choose a sunny, airy spot, sheltered from rain where possible.
- For salad and bread: large, meaty varieties.
- For snacking: Black Cherry and small indigo types.
You'll find more seasonally available varieties in our black tomatoes collection. The basics for container growing are explained in our patio tomatoes guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are black tomatoes genetically modified?
No. The varieties mentioned here come from classical breeding and selection. An unusual colour alone is not a sign of genetic modification.
Are dark tomatoes healthier than red ones?
Some indigo types contain anthocyanins in the skin. That doesn't allow for a blanket health benefit to be assumed for every black tomato, though.