How to Grow and Enjoy Super Steak Tomatoes

Super steak tomatoes are a cross between the ‘Rutgers’ and ‘Beefmaster’ varieties of tomato and were first introduced in the early 1990s. They are one of the largest varieties of cultivated tomatoes, regularly 20 cm (6 in) in diameter, with some weighing 450 g (1 lb) or more. They have smooth skin and a meaty texture, making them perfect for slicing on sandwiches or salads. In this blog post, I will share some tips on how to grow and enjoy these giant tomatoes.

How to Grow Super-Steak Tomatoes

Super steak tomatoes are a sprawling annual climber, normally trained with support as a single-stemmed cordon. They need at least one inch (2.5 cm) of water per week and prefer six hours or more of direct sun daily. They also benefit from regular fertilization, especially with a tomato-specific fertilizer. You can grow them in the ground or in large containers, as long as you provide enough space and support for their vigorous growth.

To grow super-steak tomatoes from seeds, you can start them indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date in your area. Plant the seeds about 0.5 cm (0.25 in) deep in moist potting soil and keep them in a warm and bright place. Transplant them outdoors when the soil temperature is above 15 °C (60 °F) and the danger of frost has passed. Plant them deep in the soil, up to the top two leaf nodes, to encourage root development. Space them 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 in) apart in rows, and stake or cage them to support their heavy fruits.

To grow super-steak tomatoes from plants, you can buy them from a nursery or garden center when they are ready to be planted outdoors. Choose healthy and sturdy plants with no signs of disease or pests. Plant them in the same way as described above, and water them well after planting.

How to Harvest and Store Super Steak Tomatoes

Super steak tomatoes take about 80 days to mature from transplanting⁴. You can harvest them when they are fully ripe, with a deep red color and a slight give when gently squeezed. Cut them from the vine with a sharp knife or scissors, leaving a short stem attached. Handle them carefully, as they are prone to cracking and bruising due to their size and weight.

You can store super-steak tomatoes at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. However, they will lose some of their flavor and texture if stored below 10 °C (50 °F). To preserve them for longer, you can freeze them whole, chop them, or make them into sauces, salsas, or jams.

How to Enjoy Super-Steak Tomatoes

Super steak tomatoes are delicious, raw or cooked, and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy them:

• Slice them thickly and layer them with fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar for a classic caprese salad.
• Dice them and toss them with cooked pasta, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese for a simple and satisfying meal.
• Roast them in the oven with salt, pepper, and herbs for a rich and flavorful side dish.
• Blend them with onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt for a refreshing and spicy salsa.
• Stuff them with rice, cheese, and vegetables for a hearty and healthy main course.

Super steak tomatoes are a great addition to any garden and any kitchen. They are easy to grow, produce abundant and tasty fruits, and can be enjoyed in many ways. Try them out and see why they are called super steak tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are super-steak tomatoes?

A: Super steak tomatoes are a hybrid variety that produces large and flavorful fruits. They are a cross between the ‘Rutgers’ and ‘Beefmaster’ varieties of tomato and were first introduced in the early 1990s.

Q: How big are super steak tomatoes?

A: Super steak tomatoes are one of the largest varieties of cultivated tomatoes, regularly at 20 cm (6 in) in diameter, with some weighing 450 g (1 lb) or more. They have smooth skin and a meaty texture, making them perfect for slicing on sandwiches or salads.

Q: How do I grow super-steak tomatoes?

A: Super steak tomatoes are a sprawling annual climber, normally trained with support as a single-stemmed cordon. They need at least one inch (2.5 cm) of water per week and prefer six hours or more of direct sun daily. They also benefit from regular fertilization, especially with a tomato-specific fertilizer. You can grow them in the ground or in large containers, as long as you provide enough space and support for their vigorous growth.

Q: How do I harvest and store super-steak tomatoes?

A: Super steak tomatoes take about 80 days to mature from transplanting. You can harvest them when they are fully ripe, with a deep red color and a slight give when gently squeezed. Cut them from the vine with a sharp knife or scissors, leaving a short stem attached. Handle them carefully, as they are prone to cracking and bruising due to their size and weight. You can store them at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. However, they will lose some of their flavor and texture if stored below 10 °C (50 °F). To preserve them for longer, you can freeze them whole, chop them, or make them into sauces, salsas, or jams.