One of the more colorful varieties of tomato that you’ll want to grow year after year, the Gold Medal Tomato is sweet enough to be eaten on its own or sliced and added to any dish for a burst of color and flavor.
Read on to learn all about this crack-resistant heirloom tomato. You’ll see just how easy it is to grow and eat this bi-colored tomato that’s beauty is reminiscent of a sunset.
What Is the Gold Medal Tomato?
This type of yellow tomato plant first cropped up in 1921 when it was called the “Ruby Gold” tomato. It was popularized again in the 70s under its current name.
The Gold Medal Tomato is an annual indeterminate (it keeps growing throughout the season) and one of the larger tomato varieties, with the fruit weighing 1-2 lbs.
This juicy tomato is sweet and tangy, yet mild, with thin skin and a round, lobed appearance. Its low acidity and firm flesh make it perfect for fresh eating. Enjoy this yellow fruit similar to how you would your favorite beefsteak tomato.
Growing Gold Medal Tomato
Planting
Tomato plants are sensitive to freezing temperatures, so start your seedlings indoors about six weeks before the last frost. Plant the seeds at depth of 1/4 inch and expect tomato seed germination within 7-14 days.
Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are 3-4 inches tall and after all danger of frost has passed. This plant can easily be grown in Spring and Fall in Zones 3-11.
Plant seedlings 24-36 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Ideal outdoor conditions include at least six hours of sunlight, a minimum soil temperature of 60°F, and ambient temperatures between 50°F and 95°F.
Plant Maintenance
To grow a strong and productive plant, this tomato plant needs a moderate amount of water and regular pruning.
The key to tomato plant pruning is to pinch off sprouts, called suckers, that grow between the main plant stem and branches. This keeps the plant’s energy directed toward growing those beautiful, plump tomatoes, as well as keeping the plant aerated and from taking over your garden.
As these are larger tomatoes, support this plant with a cage or trellis. You can also rig up a support using extra fencing or other garden supplies.
Harvesting
Gold Medal Tomatoes take 75-90 days to mature. Be sure to pick right before peak ripeness to avoid cracking and rot, or giving our avian friends the first bite.
The fruit is ready to harvest when it has a bold color, the slightest give when squeezed, and is 3 – 5 inches in diameter. You can place the fruit in a warm, sunny area, such as a windowsill, to finish ripening if necessary.
Learn more about when and how to harvest your tomatoes.
Storage
If you don’t plan to use your tomatoes right away, store the fruit at room temperature for up to a week or in a refrigerator for up to two weeks. This fantastic heirloom tomato can be enjoyed all year long by canning or freezing slices.
Diseases and Pests
To help deter pests and disease, ensure your plant has adequate space between it and other vegetative growth and water it only in the morning. Remove infected parts of the plant as soon as possible and add a boost of fertilizer a few times throughout the growing season.
You can also collect egg shells from your kitchen, crumble them up, and add them to the planting hole when you transplant your seedlings outdoors. Egg shells act as mulch and add nutrients back into the soil, which helps produce a healthier plant more capable of fighting off disease.
While the best strategy is prevention, identifying a pest or disease is the first step to clearing up a pesky problem. Learn more about the different types of tomato plant pests and common diseases.
Using the Gold Medal Tomato
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
Tomatoes are a great-tasting addition to any healthy diet. They are low in calories and rich in antioxidants like lycopene, Vitamins C, K, and folate, as well as the mineral potassium. Just make sure to wash the fruit well before eating.
How to Enjoy the Gold Medal Tomato
This yellow fruit is a beautiful slicing tomato. Transform your run-of-the-mill burger or sandwich into a gourmet dish with the addition of Gold Medal Tomato slices.
Use wedges to amp up salads or enjoy slices on their own with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, and tossed with a few fresh basil leaves. With its low-acid tomato flavor, you will be tempted to bite into these beautiful tomatoes like you would an apple. It’s the perfect snack!
Want to know more about how to use tomatoes in the kitchen? Check out our information on Tomatoes in the Kitchen.
Where to Buy Gold Medal Tomato Seeds
While you may not see this variety of tomatoes at your local grocery store, definitely check out the stands at your local farmers market for this fruit.
Tomato enthusiasts know the joy of biting into a fresh tomato straight off the vine. What better way to enjoy this great summer snack than to grow them in your very own backyard? Buy Gold Medal Tomato seeds and you’ll be ready to get started. This variety will soon be one of your favorite tomatoes and a garden staple!
Wrapping Up the Gold Medal Tomato
With its colorful palette and sweet flavor, the Gold Medal Tomato is no doubt one of the most gorgeous varieties of tomato out there. Adding a burst of health and flavor to a recipe is as simple as slicing one up or cutting it into wedges.
Now that you’re an expert on the Gold Medal Tomato, make sure to check out other tomato plant types.