With the winter and the cold now behind, the month of May sees the earth warm up and the tomatoes take root, and those who have some experience know that it is not too late to sow. Indeed: some of the tastiest varieties are precisely those that give their best to the advanced season, giving generous crops until October, November … and for the luckiest, even at Christmas.
Here I present a selection of 10 late varieties that are right for us, some are robust and scenographic, others have a flavor that remains in the mouth for hours. All, however, have one thing in common: they transform the wait into pleasure.
Amana Orange
Impossible not to start with him. US tomato originally from Iowa, it is a Beefsteak variety that does not go unnoticed. Its brilliant orange fruits also reach 1 kg and the pulp, almost without seeds, is dense and juicy, with a sweetness that conquers the first bite. Perfect in carpaccio, it is ideal for those who love simple and spectacular dishes at the same time.
Purple Calabash
Those looking for ancient flavors and “once” tomatoes should try the Purple Calabash. With its dark peel, between red and purple, and deeply ribbed edges, it seems hand -sculpted. Tasting, reveals sweet and harsh notes together, making it excellent for warm salads or savory cakes. Particular not to be underestimated: it is a very photogenic variety, and on Instagram it will make a great impression.
Agora F1
For those who also cultivate with the thought aimed at the pantry, Agora F1 is a precious ally. Robust and resistant variety, it produces round and fleshy tomatoes, very suitable for sauces and coulis. He is ready to enter the pot as soon as he collects him, and when he affirms him with mozzarella and fresh pesto … you immediately feel that you hit the center.
Big zebra
A tomato that is a real work of art. Yellow-green or red-green streaks depending on the maturation, marbled pulp and a balanced taste, slightly acidic. The big zebra is perfect for surprising guests: a slice is enough on the plate to change tone at lunch.
Russian
The Russian variety is all substance, from Sicily with fury. The fruits often exceed the kilo and a half, the color is dark red, the firing pulp and juicy, and it is perfect to cook and fill. It is the “single dish” tomato, the one who does not need tinsel, just him is enough.
Douchette de Fougères
A small jewel from Brittany. The Douchette de Fougères is an ancient, round tomato, with a weight between 150 and 300 grams. Sweet, aromatic, ideal for September salads or a tomato clafoutis. It is a “kind” tomato, perfect for those who cultivate with love.
Pineapple
The pineapple tomato is the VIP of the summer garden. Yellow-orange color, full heart and sugary pulp: each slice is a small party. It reaches 500 grams without problems, and its sweetness makes it perfect raw, perhaps with a drizzle of oil and some Parmesan cockroaches. Mature from August to October: just in time for the last tan.
Madagascar
It is not a joke: the variety in question, small and robust, resists until December. Madagascar cherry tomatoes, collected in bunches, maintain flavor and consistency up to New Year. Ideal for those who dream of a homemade bruschetta on the evening of the eve. Just keep them in a cool and dry place … and forget them for a few weeks.
Green Zebra
Green Zebra is one of the most surprising varieties. His green stripes make him look unripe, but the dense and slightly spicy pulp tells another story. It is ideal for shaking classic salads, or to garnish a white pizza with burrata and fresh basil. Try it: it will make you change your mind on greenery.
Black of Crimea
Crimea’s black is a cult. Red-brown color, full taste, round flavor, slightly sweet. It matures slowly, but the wait is worth. It is the tomato to eat in thick slices, with olive oil, coarse salt and maybe a little red onion, you really don’t need anything else.
What to know before sowing
Late varieties require some attention, which we illustrate below:
The beauty of waiting
Choosing late varieties means making a small investment in patience, even if we are sure that the harvest, in almost all cases, will be able to repay you with interest: late tomatoes are richer in flavor, more resistant and, above all, more memorable.
With a little care, you can savor the summer until late autumn, and maybe you will find the last cherry tomatoes just as you hang the Christmas lights.
So what late tomato will sow this May?
