Gold Medal Tomato History

A fantastic heirloom tomato dating to at least 1921, where it appeared in a New York seed catalog. Originally named ‘Ruby Gold’, the variety was repopularized decades later as ‘Gold Medal’. This heirloom bears large, beefsteak style fruits that ripen to a remarkably attractive, marbled orange-yellow-red color. It is also known for its excellent flavor and has won a number of taste test contests over the years. Has beautiful coloration when sliced too. The 1-3 lb fruits are among the smoothest bi-colored tomatoes we carry and one of the most beautiful we have seen. Yellow fruit is blushing with rosy red that radiates from the blossom end. Lovely! The firm flesh is of superior quality, being sweet and mild. They have very little acid; great for fresh eating. From the late, legendary seed collector, Ben Quisenberry.

Growing Gold Medal Tomatoes

Many gardeners start tomatoes from small plants or transplants that you purchase in the nursery as they are not the easiest for beginners to start by seed. However, if you grow tomatos from seed, start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the average last spring frost date. 

Transplant seedlings after the last spring frost when the soil has warmed. Use a large pot or container with drainage holes in the bottom. Plant one tomato plant per pot. Choose from bush or dwarf varieties; many cherry tomatoes grow well in pots. Taller varieties may need to be staked. Space tomato transplants 2 feet apart for small bush-type plants or larger plants that will be staked. Space larger plants 3 to 4 feet apart if unstaked. Allow 4 feet between the rows. 

Pinch off a few of the lower branches on transplants, and plant the root ball deep enough so that the remaining lowest leaves are just above the surface of the soil.  If your transplants are leggy, you can remedy this by burying up to ⅔ of the plant, including the lower sets of leaves. Tomato stems have the ability to grow roots from the buried stems. Be sure to water the transplant thoroughly to establish good root/soil contact and prevent wilting. Newly set transplants may need to be shaded for the first week or so to prevent excessive drying of the leaves. Click here to learn more about planting and growing tomatoes.

Preserving And Storing Gold Medal Tomatoes

When canning tomato sauce you can go two ways. Plain and simple, as in tomato only. Or with garden spices. I believe it is best to have several jars of both, since you can add spices later if you wish, but you can’t take them away if you are seeking something plain.

Tomato recipes

This creamy tomato soup recipe is comfort food at its best! It tastes rich, but it’s light and healthy, made with blended chickpeas instead of heavy cream.

Gold Medal Tomatoes Nutrition Facts

Gold Medal Tomatoes are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K, and folate. Lycopene is one of the most abundant plant compounds in tomatoes. It’s found in the highest concentrations in tomato products, such as ketchup, juice, paste, and sauce. Studies show that tomatoes and tomato products may reduce your risk of heart disease and several cancers. This fruit is also beneficial for skin health, as it may protect against sunburns.

Other Tomato Varieties Worth Checking Out

Mexico Midget Tomato

Brandywine Tomato – Brandywine Red Tomato Seeds