The Malakhitovaya Shkatulka Tomato

The name is hard to say, but the tomato is easy to enjoy! Yummy, ripe when green, and coming all the way from Russia, the Malakhitovaya Shkatulka tomato is sure to impress. You’ll love having this unique variety in your garden this summer.

Keep reading to find out more about this interesting tomato including growing tips and where to find seeds!

History of the Malakhitovaya Shkatulka Tomato

Originally from Svetlana Farm in Russia and tested in Siberia, this tomato came to the U.S. in 2007. Tatiana Kouchnarev received the seeds from Tamara Yaschenko of Biysk, Siberia, Russia in a seed exchange in 2006. Kouchnarev offered the seeds in the 2007 Seed Savers Exchange where Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds acquired some and brought them to the Eco Farm Seed Swap.

The name Malakhitovaya Shkatulka means “Malachite Box” in Russian. Malachite is a lovely green gem that comes from the Ural mountains and other areas and is used to make jewelry. At one time it was used to make green jewelry boxes which is where the Malakhitovaya Shkatulka tomato got it’s name.

Characteristics of the Malakhitovaya Shkatulka Tomato

The Malakhitovaya Shkatulka is an indeterminate, heirloom variety that’s easy to grow. Plants grow to be around 4-6 feet tall and need to be supported by stakes or cages. These large plants produce round, medium sized fruit. The light to olive green tomatoes are a rich, bright green on the inside. You’ll love seeing that beautiful color when you slice into your tomatoes this summer! Plants aren’t overly prolific but are resistant to pests and diseases.

Ripening Season

The Malakhitovaya Shkatulka is a midseason variety that takes about 70-80 days to mature.

Tomato Qualities

These tomatoes are very juicy and meaty without too many seeds. The real highlight of this tomato is it’s color. The lovely green when ripe tomatoes take on a yellow to apricot hue as they ripen but remain mostly green. They are absolutely beautiful when sliced and look so vibrant and fresh!

Tomato Size

Malakhitovaya Shkatulka are medium sized tomatoes that are usually between 6 -13 ounces but can grow to be slightly over 1 pound.

Planting Zones

Plant these tomatoes anywhere from zones 3-11. They grow well in both hot and cool climates and are ideal for growing in northern areas or places that have cooler summer nights. They were tested in Siberia so they can handle a bit of cold!

Size and Spacing

Plant your seeds 24-36 inches apart to give the plants plenty of room to grow. Plants typically grow 4-6 feet tall and need support. If you don’t have cages that are large enough or just want to find some other ideas to support your tomato plants, check out this article.

Pollination

Most tomatoes don’t need any help with pollination. The wind and bees take care of it for you!

Plant Care

The following sections will provide highlights about tomato care. For a complete guide on optimal tomato plant care, from planting to harvesting and storage, please check out our article on How To Grow Tomatoes: The Complete Guide For the Best Tomatoes. You may also be interested in our blog post on how to grow big tomatoes!

Sunlight

The Malakhitovaya Shkatulka likes full sun. Make sure to plant your tomatoes in a location where they’ll get at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day.

Soil

Malakhitovaya Shkatulka tomatoes like loamy, slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 5.8-6.8. If you aren’t sure what type of soil you have, soil tests are available at many garden centers or get one from your local university extension office. These tomatoes can also be grown in large containers.

Water

Keep the soil moist, especially when growing in containers. Malakhitovaya Shkatulka are resistant to splitting so they work well in areas that tend to get heavy rainfalls.

Fertilizer

Tomatoes require specific nutrients (such as calcium) to produce their best crops of fruit. To learn how to determine what your tomatoes need and when they need it, consult our ultimate tomato fertilizer guide.

Pruning/Pinching

Tomatoes don’t have to be pruned but there are many benefits to pruning including earlier harvest and bigger fruit. Pruning also helps to provide adequate light and airflow to the plants which helps reduce disease. “Pinch” tomatoes by removing suckers when they’re small. Suckers are the stems that grow from the intersection between the main stem and the branch.

Pruning and pinching are a tomato care technique that can help your tomato put forth its best yield. But you need to know when to do this and what tomatoes need it. To help you with this, visit our pruning tomatoes guide.

Disease

Some common tomato diseases include early blight, leaf spot, and blossom end rot. It’s best to act quickly against diseases before they cause too much damage or spread to other plants. To learn how to detect, treat, and take steps to prevent diseases, read our tomato diseases guide.

Pests

Tomatoes have many pests including aphids, cutworms, and hornworms. Thankfully there are many beneficial insects that help combat these pests for you and there are many natural options to discourage pests including planting things like marigolds nearby. For information to help you spot, eliminate, and deter 15 different pests, visit our guide on common tomato pests.

When to Harvest Malakhitovaya Shkatulka Tomatoes

Malakhitovaya Shkatulka tomatoes take on an amber blush near the bottom when they’re ready making it easier to tell when they’re ripe compared to some other varieties of green tomatoes. You can pick tomatoes as soon as they start to change color and let them finish ripening on the counter, or wait until tomatoes are fully ripe to harvest.

Common Uses For Malakhitovaya Shkatulka Tomatoes

These tomatoes taste great fresh and are perfect to add to things like sandwiches and salads. They’re also delicious fried or roasted.

What Does the Malakhitovaya Shkatulka Tomato Taste Like?

The Malakhitovaya Shkatulka tomato is flavorful and low in acid. It’s slightly fruity with a subtle sweetness. It has a balanced flavor that is not too acidic and not too sweet but tastes perfectly delicious.

Cooking

These tomatoes hold up well with a variety of cooking methods. Frying, roasting, sauces, and salsas are just some of the ways to enjoy them.

Eating Raw

Fresh from the garden tomatoes are so delicious! Malakhitovaya Shkatulka tomatoes are very tasty when eaten raw and can be used on things like sandwiches, burgers, salads, and salsas.

Canning / Freezing / Drying

Try making green tomato ketchup or here is a simple recipe for canning green tomatoes. You can also freeze Malakhitovaya Shkatulka tomatoes by slicing them thinly and packing them in a freezer bag with freezer paper between slices.

Recipe Ideas

Fried Green Tomato Parmesan

Baked Fried Green Tomatoes

Green Tomato Ketchup

Grilled Green Tomatoes Caprese

Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Ripe when green tomato varieties, including the Malakhitovaya Shkatulka, are very healthy with lots of important nutrients! They’re rich in vitamin C which is great for the immune system and helps your body absorb iron. They’re high in fiber which is excellent for improving gut health, and they’re also high in vitamin K which helps normalize blood clotting and may improve bone strength and density.

Eating tomatoes with a healthy fat, such as olive oil, helps your body absorb vitamin K. Try the Grilled Green Tomatoes Caprese Recipe above to get some healthy fat with your nutritious tomatoes!

Where to Buy Malakhitovaya Shkatulka Tomato Plants or Seeds

Excited to try growing your own Malakhitovaya Shkatulka tomatoes? Check with your local nurseries and farmers to find plants, or purchase seeds online from retailers including Garden Hoard and Renaissance Farms.

Where to Buy Malakhitovaya Shkatulka Tomatoes

This isn’t a super common variety so it may be hard to find in your local area. Ask around at your neighborhood farmer’s market to see if any nearby farms offer this tomato.

Wrapping Up the Malakhitovaya Shkatulka Tomato

With it’s beautiful juicy green flesh and ease of growing, this is a great variety to try in your garden! You’ll enjoy a harvest of beautiful green tomatoes that are delicious in so many different ways, and you’re sure to impress your friends when you tell them where this tomato gets it’s long name!

Have you ever tried Malakhitovaya Shkatulka Tomatoes? Let us know in the comments below! Excited for more tomato content? Then visit our tomato page for growing tips, comprehensive guides, and tasty recipes!