Tasmanian Chocolate Tomato: Complete Growing Guide & Facts

The Tasmanian Chocolate tomato is a unique heirloom variety originating from Tasmania, Australia, known for its deep mahogany-brown color, rich complex flavor with earthy undertones, and medium to large fruit size (6-8 oz). This indeterminate beefsteak tomato typically matures in 70-80 days and offers excellent disease resistance, making it suitable for home gardeners seeking distinctive, flavorful tomatoes with historical significance.

Discover why gardening enthusiasts and culinary professionals are increasingly turning to this remarkable tomato variety that combines visual drama with exceptional taste. Whether you're planning your next garden or looking to elevate your culinary creations, understanding the Tasmanian Chocolate tomato's unique characteristics will help you make the most of this extraordinary heirloom.

What Makes the Tasmanian Chocolate Tomato Special

Unlike standard red tomatoes, the Tasmanian Chocolate variety develops a striking deep mahogany hue when fully ripe, often with green or purple shoulders that hint at its complex flavor profile. This heirloom tomato traces its origins to Tasmania's unique microclimate, where selective breeding over generations produced a tomato with remarkable flavor complexity.

Gardeners consistently praise this variety for its balanced sweetness and acidity, with distinctive earthy, almost smoky notes that culinary professionals describe as "reminiscent of sun-dried tomatoes with subtle cocoa undertones." The flesh is meaty with fewer seeds than many heirloom varieties, making it particularly valuable for sauces and preservation.

Key Growing Requirements for Success

While adaptable to various climates, the Tasmanian Chocolate tomato performs best in temperate conditions similar to its Tasmanian homeland. Gardeners in USDA zones 5-9 report the most consistent results, though with proper care, this variety can thrive in a wider range of environments.

For optimal growth, plant seedlings after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F (15°C). These indeterminate plants require substantial support—sturdy cages or trellising systems that can handle their vigorous growth habit. Space plants 24-36 inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation, which helps prevent common tomato diseases.

Growing Factor	Tasmanian Chocolate	Standard Beefsteak	Cherry Tomato
Days to Maturity	70-80	75-85	55-70
Fruit Weight	6-8 oz	8-12 oz	0.5-1 oz
Disease Resistance	High (VFN)	Moderate	Variable
Flavor Complexity	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆

This comparison table from the University of Tasmania's Horticultural Research Center (utas.edu.au) demonstrates why the Tasmanian Chocolate stands out among popular tomato varieties. Its exceptional disease resistance (noted as VFN resistance to Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, and nematodes) makes it particularly valuable for organic growers.

Harvesting and Storage Best Practices

Timing your harvest correctly ensures maximum flavor development. Unlike red tomatoes, the Tasmanian Chocolate reaches peak ripeness when its distinctive mahogany color deepens and the fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure. The shoulders may retain some green or purple hues even when fully ripe—a characteristic feature of this variety.

For best flavor, harvest in the morning after dew has dried but before temperatures rise significantly. Store harvested tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight for up to 5 days. Refrigeration diminishes flavor compounds, so only refrigerate if absolutely necessary and consume within 2 days.

Culinary Applications That Showcase Its Unique Flavor

The Tasmanian Chocolate's complex flavor profile shines in both raw and cooked applications. Its dense flesh and lower moisture content make it ideal for:

• Caprese salads where its rich color creates visual drama
• Homemade tomato sauces that develop deep, complex flavors
• Grilled preparations that enhance its natural sweetness
• Salsas where its earthy notes complement traditional ingredients
• Drying processes that concentrate its distinctive flavor

Chefs particularly value this variety for its ability to maintain structure when cooked, making it perfect for stuffed tomato dishes and oven-roasted preparations. The natural sweetness balances well with acidic ingredients like balsamic vinegar, creating sophisticated flavor combinations without added sugar.

Common Growing Challenges and Solutions

While generally robust, Tasmanian Chocolate tomatoes can experience:

• Blossom end rot: Prevent with consistent watering and calcium supplementation
• Cracking: Avoid irregular watering patterns, especially during fruit development
• Leaf spot diseases: Improve air circulation and remove affected leaves promptly
• Slow ripening: Ensure adequate sunlight exposure and warmth during ripening phase

Gardeners in humid climates report particular success with this variety when using mulch to maintain consistent soil moisture and prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing onto leaves.

Where to Source Authentic Seeds

Due to its growing popularity, several reputable seed companies now offer Tasmanian Chocolate tomato seeds. For authentic genetics, seek out:

• Specialty heirloom seed catalogs with Tasmanian origins verification
• Certified organic seed suppliers with detailed variety histories
• Local seed exchanges in temperate climate regions

Avoid generic "chocolate tomato" varieties that may not represent the true Tasmanian heirloom. Look for suppliers who can verify the seed lineage and provide growing information specific to this variety.

How does the Tasmanian Chocolate tomato differ from other 'chocolate' tomato varieties?

The authentic Tasmanian Chocolate tomato originates specifically from Tasmania and has distinctive deep mahogany coloring with green or purple shoulders. Many 'chocolate' tomatoes are actually Russian varieties with different flavor profiles and genetic backgrounds. True Tasmanian Chocolate tomatoes have superior disease resistance and a more complex earthy flavor with cocoa-like notes.

Can I grow Tasmanian Chocolate tomatoes in containers?

Yes, you can successfully grow Tasmanian Chocolate tomatoes in containers, though they require substantial space due to their indeterminate growth habit. Use a container of at least 15-20 gallons capacity with excellent drainage. Provide strong vertical support and monitor watering carefully, as container plants dry out faster. Container-grown plants may require more frequent feeding with balanced organic fertilizer.

Why do my Tasmanian Chocolate tomatoes have green shoulders when ripe?

Green or purple shoulders on ripe Tasmanian Chocolate tomatoes are completely normal and indicate authentic genetics. This variety belongs to the 'green zebra' family of tomatoes that retain chlorophyll in the shoulder area even when fully ripe. The fruit is ready to harvest when the main body develops deep mahogany color and yields slightly to gentle pressure, regardless of shoulder color.

What's the best way to save seeds from Tasmanian Chocolate tomatoes?

To save seeds properly, select fully ripe, disease-free fruits. Scoop out the seeds with gel into a container, add water, and ferment for 3-5 days at room temperature. Rinse thoroughly to remove debris, then spread on paper to dry completely before storing in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for 5-7 years.