Don’t be fooled by the name, the Tasmanian Chocolate Tomato is no dessert. But it certainly is a treat!
Named for its distinctive color and sweet flavor, the Tasmanian Chocolate Tomato is a fan favorite, especially for container growers.
If you want to learn more about this unique cross-bred heirloom, you’re in the right place.
Looking for Tasmanian Chocolate Tomato seeds? Check availability here.
Characteristics of the Tasmanian Chocolate Tomato
Appearance
The Tasmanian Chocolate Tomato is a crossbred heirloom tomato variety, a product of the Dwarf Tomato Project from Australian growers.
They get their name from the dark brownish-red color they develop when ripe. Leaves from the Tasmanian Chocolate Tomato are dark green and rugose, meaning they have a wrinkled appearance.
The tomato plant itself is compact, only growing to three or four feet tall, making it an excellent option for container growing. The stalk and branches are also very sturdy.
The fruits of the Tasmanian Chocolate Tomato plant are oblate in shape, meaning they look like a flattened sphere. The size of the tomatoes is variable and can fall anywhere between four and twelve ounces.
Flavor
The Tasmanian Chocolate Tomato doesn’t only get its name from its brown color. It’s also notorious for its sweet flavor!
However, the sweetness is by no means overwhelming. The tomato has an overall balanced and refreshing taste.
With a similar texture to Beefsteak tomatoes, Tasmanian Chocolate Tomatoes are meaty and great for slicing and fresh eating.
Determinate or Indeterminate?
When it comes to the growth patterns of tomatoes, you have two choices: determinate and indeterminate.
Determinate tomato plants are bushy, self-pruning, and tend to produce all their fruits for the season at once.
On the other hand, indeterminate tomatoes are vining or climbing plants that typically need pruning and physical support, such as trellises or cages. The fruit ripens gradually over the course of the season.
Tasmanian Chocolate Tomatoes is a determinate variety. However, because of the plant’s compact size compared to the large, heavy fruit, they can benefit from trellises or staking.
Enjoying your Tasmanian Chocolate Tomatoes
Nutrition
Tomatoes are mostly water, making them a hydrating and refreshing ingredient to include in lots of different dishes. They’re also a good source of fiber and are low in carbohydrates.
Though this can vary from variety to variety, tomatoes are generally rich in vitamins and minerals.
More specifically, they contain notable amounts of Vitamins A, C, K1, and B9 and potassium, iron, phosphorous, and antioxidants.
Recipes
Because Tasmanian Chocolate Tomatoes are meaty and sweet, they’re particularly well suited for slicing and eating fresh.
Their great flavor suits a salsa recipe well, contrasting nicely with the onions and peppers.
They also taste great on a classic BLT or grilled cheese!
Tasmanian Chocolate Tomatoes: A Growing Guide
Basic Care
Typical of most tomatoes, Tasmanian Chocolate Tomatoes thrive in full sun and rich, well-fertilized soil.
To grow from seeds, start the tomatoes inside roughly six weeks before the last frost. Keep them warm and moist while germinating, then transplant them to direct soil or pots.
When transplanting your tomato plants, space them either 18 to 24 inches apart in your garden or one plant per pot.
Once established, tomato plants are low maintenance and usually easy to care for. Keep them warm in the sun and well-watered; they’ll stay happy!
Harvesting Your Tomatoes
Once transplanted and having produced six true leaves, your tomato plants are about 80 days away from harvesting.
They’re relatively early-season producers, as well as high producers. Though they are a hybrid, years of attentive care and maintenance have led to stable, open-pollinated tomato plants.
You’ll know when your Tasmanian Chocolate Tomatoes are ready to harvest when they have turned a dark reddish brown color and have some give. The fruits should pull off the plant easily.
If you’re worried about cold snaps or pesky pests, you can harvest your tomatoes a bit early and let them ripen indoors on a sunny windowsill or countertop if need be.
Pests and Disease
Most of the diseases that can weaken or even kill your tomato plants are fungal, such as blight, end rot, and verticillium wilt.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a whole lot that can be done once a fungal infection has set in except to remove the affected areas of the plant and keep a close eye on it.
This is why prevention and careful care early on are crucial! If you keep your plants clean and dry, spread them out well, and maintain the soil nutrients and pH, you’re already well on your way to effectively managing tomato diseases.
Tomatoes are also susceptible to typical vegetable garden pests such as aphids, nematodes, beetles, and worms.
For the larger pests, you can simply pick them off (wearing gloves, of course) and prune away any impacted areas. The smaller pests are a bit trickier to get rid of, but organic neem oil or other natural sprays and treatments should get the job done.
Alternative Tomato Garden Ideas
While Tasmanian Chocolate Tomatoes are particularly well suited for container growing, there are also some other fun, unique ways to start a tomato garden.
You can plant them upside down, in a bag, or even in an old bicycle wheel!
Where to Buy Tasmanian Chocolate Tomatoes Seeds
Though unique in color and name, Tasmanian Chocolate Tomatoes have become a very popular hybrid heirloom variety for home growers.
Ready to Grow Some Tasmanian Chocolate Tomatoes?
Whether you’re new to growing tomatoes in containers or you’re an indoor garden aficionado, the Tasmanian Chocolate Tomato is a sweet addition to your tomato crop!
For more on growing, eating, and caring for your tomatoes, visit our Tomato Guide here.