The tart flavor profile of some tomato varieties throws us in the search for acid free tomatoes. Here, I’m sharing the top 11 varieties with their benefits and all the updated tips to grow them.
Let’s make your tomato journey enjoyable and tummy-friendly!
What Are Acid Free Tomatoes?
Acid-free tomatoes are tomatoes with lower acidity levels, causing less discomfort or heartburn. They offer a gentle, tummy-friendly option. Hence, they are a great choice for those sensitive to acidity.
In fact, the term acid-free tomatoes is not a standard botanical term but rather a marketing or descriptive term used to suggest that these tomatoes have lower acidity levels than regular tomatoes.
Benefits Of Low Acidic Tomato Varieties
Gentle On The Stomach
Low acid red tomatoes (normally above 4.6 pH) benefit people with sensitive stomachs because they have a milder impact on digestion.
The reduced acidity helps to minimize the risk of triggering discomfort, such as acid reflux, that can often occur after consuming high-acid foods.
Reduced Digestive Discomfort
Low acidic tomatoes are gentle on the digestive system, reducing the likelihood of heartburn or indigestion after meals. In a detailed manner, the possibility of irritation to the esophagus is lower.
Enhanced Flavor
Although they are low-acid tomatoes, they still maintain their delectable taste, infusing dishes with a burst of flavor.
Their natural sweetness and rich, savory notes shine through, elevating the overall taste of salads, sauces, and various culinary creations.
Versatile Culinary Uses
Tomatoes with low acid levels are incredibly adaptable in the kitchen. Indeed, they work in a pinch in many recipes, from simple dishes like salads to sauces to soups, and they taste better with them.
Nutritional Value
Despite low acid tomatoes, they remain rich in essential nutrients, such as lycopene, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are important for overall well-being and support human health every day.
Acid Free Tomato Varieties
Short answer: Sungold, big rainbow, sweet 100, pink girl, ponderosa pink, amana orange, moneymaker, great white, yellow pear, campari, and sweet million are some best candidates under the umbrella of acid-free tomatoes.
Sun Gold
The low acid tomato is golden and small but can yield abundant clusters of bite-sized fruits. They are sweet, about 1 inch in diameter, with a round shape, and grow to 6 feet tall. You can have up to 300 fruits per plant.
One more interesting thing about this variety is its sugar content is a bit higher than the rest of the list. So, it might taste sweeter.
Big Rainbow
They are large, colorful tomatoes. The taste is juicy and sweet with almost no tart flavor detected. These varieties can reach up to 2 pounds in weight.
They are round, come in shades of red and yellow, and go 8 feet tall. Under good care, gardeners can get about 25 pounds per successful Big Rainbow.
Sweet 100
Sweet 100 is the least acidic tomato, which is tiny and red. It produces clusters of hundreds of fruits. About the taste, they are incredibly sweet.
Approximately 150 is the number of fruits you can get from a mature plant of up to 6 feet tall.
Ponderosa Pink
Ponderosa Pink is big, weighing up to 2 pounds with a mild flavor. They have a beefsteak-like shape and are pale pink in color. Hence, they can be a good choice for tomato sauce.
Besides, they can grow to 7 feet. Gardeners can harvest up to 20 pounds if growing conditions are standard.
Pink Girl
These juicy, pink tomatoes are medium-sized, about 6 to 8 ounces. They have a round shape and grow on sturdy, indeterminate vines.
Similar to Ponderosa Pink, you can harvest approximately 20 pounds for each plant of this vine tomato variety.
Amana Orange
The levels of acidity of Amana is low too. They are orange, juicy, weighing up to 2 pounds. They also have a beefsteak-like shape like Ponderosa Pink.
Their height can be as high as 8 feet. If taken care of properly, a 25-pound crop is what you can receive.
Moneymaker
Moneymaker is one of the low acid tomato plants that has the classic red color. Each fruit is about 6 to 8 ounces, with a round shape.
They are reliable and productive. It can yield anywhere from 10 to 20 pounds each season.
Great White
Great White types also have a low acid content. These large, pale tomatoes can reach up to 1 pound. They have a beefsteak-like shape and creamy white color.
They are known for their adaptability and relatively low maintenance requirements. You can get about 10 to 15 pounds in each typical harvest season.
Yellow Pear
Yellow Pear belongs to the least acidic tomatoes category. They are small, pear-shaped tomatoes with a bright lemon yellow color. As its characteristics, it is the number one choice for mixed vegetable salads.
They are about 1 to 2 inches long, grow in clusters, and are indeterminate in height. Believe it or not, each stem can produce up to 300 yellow pears.
Campari
Campari is a juicy fruit, about 2 to 3 inches in diameter. The taste is sweet with little to no signs of acid flavor. When you are craving for some salad tomatoes, Campari is the one.
You can see its beautiful round shape, and the deep red color is very attractive. These types can grow on compact, determinate vines.
After a season, great ready to harvest a fruitful crop of 200 tomatoes per plant.
Sweet Million
It’s a catchy and appealing name that suggests an abundance of sweet and flavorful tomatoes. A mature plant can reach 8 feet and produce up to 200 1-inch wide fruits.
So, where to buy acid free tomatoes? You can find them at your nearby grocery store, farmer’s market, or health food store.
Please also check the labels like “low-acid” or “sweet” tomatoes to find gentler varieties on the stomach.
Tips For Growing Low Acid Tomato Varieties
- Choose a sunny spot: Tomato fruits love sunshine. Plant in full sun for optimal growth and sweetness.
- Good drainage: Ensure well-draining soil to prevent soggy roots and promote healthy growth.
- Fertilize properly: Use balanced fertilizer to support tomato health and fruit development.
- Water consistently: To avoid root rot, keep the soil evenly moist without overwatering.
- Provide support: Use stakes or cages to support vines growing and bearing fruit.
- Pruning: Trim excess foliage to improve airflow and prevent diseases.
- Monitor pests: Regularly inspect plants for pests and address issues promptly. If your surrounding has chipmunk, you must check out my experience and tips on how to stop chipmunks from eating tomatoes right away.
- Harvest ripe fruit: Pick tomatoes for the best flavor and texture when fully ripe.
- Rotate crops: Rotate planting locations yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases.
- Companion planting: Plant basil or marigold nearby to deter pests and improve tomato health.
FAQs
Are cherry tomatoes low in acid?
Yes. Cherry tomatoes are generally low in acid. It is considered a good choice for those with sensitivity to acidity. These fruits are milder and gentler on the stomach.
Can you buy non acidic tomatoes?
No. All tomatoes naturally contain some level of acidity. While some varieties are lower in acid, no tomatoes are considered completely non-acidic.
Are all yellow tomatoes acid free?
No. While yellow tomatoes are often milder in acidity than some red varieties, they still contain some acid. They are not entirely acid-free but can be lower in acidity.
Conclusion
That’s everything about acid free tomatoes. I hope the list helps you to continue enjoying the most nutritious and delectable fruit in the world without upsetting your stomach.
Growing them is easy. With just a few setups and care, you can have an abundance to eat and share daily. For more garden tips, stay tuned for upcoming articles.
