Tomato Black Gourmet

Black-fruited tomato varieties are actively gaining popularity, because, in addition to their attractive exotic appearance, they contain a high content of sugars and the useful plant pigment anthocyanin. Relatively recently, the family of such tomatoes was replenished with a very tasty and fruitful variety Black Gourmet.

The Chernaya lakomka variety was the result of the work of a group of scientists from the Moscow agricultural firm Poisk (today it is a large agricultural holding). Among them: Khovrin A.N., head of the selection and primary seed production service, Tereshonkova T.A., head of the laboratory of immunity and selection of solanaceous plants, director of the company Klimenko N.N. and breeder Kostenko A.N. The development is included in the premium collection of Vkusnotek, containing selected gourmet varieties: the most aromatic, tasty and healthy.

In 2015, Black Gourmet was registered in the State Register of Varieties Approved for Distribution. The area recommended for its cultivation includes all regions of Russia: from the Central Black Earth, the Volga region and the North Caucasus to the Urals and Siberia.

Black gourmet is an indeterminate tall (150-200 cm), high-yielding variety of medium early (or mid-season) fruiting, grown mainly in film-type greenhouses and in open ground. Round fruits of medium size (80-110 g) have an excellent sweet taste and chocolate-pomegranate color.

Sometimes this variety is confused with the hybrid of the same name Black Gourmet F1 from the Aelita agricultural company. This is also a black-fruited tomato, but it has a number of differences, and the seeds obtained from the harvest cannot be used, they do not retain their parental characteristics.

Smooth, smooth, rounded (sometimes slightly flattened) tomatoes of the Black Gourmet are usually medium-sized and have an average weight of about 100 g, although many gardeners boast 200-250-gram specimens. It is interesting to observe the color change of ripening fruits: from bright green with a rich emerald spot at the stalk, it changes to brick-red, and the spot becomes brown-brown. Gradually the color evens out and darkens, filling with a burgundy-pomegranate shade and acquiring "chocolate".

The natural dye anthocyanin makes such tomatoes not only more useful for humans (increasing the anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic effect of this product), but also increases keeping quality. You just need to collect on time, preventing the fruits from overripe on the bush and become too soft.

The skin of the Black Gourmet tomatoes is shiny, dense, but thin, elastic. The dark red pulp is fleshy, tender and very juicy, there are 4-6 seed chambers, the seeds are large - they are easy to harvest for reproduction.

The variety justifies its name and pleases with its excellent taste: the tasters give it a solid five. 100 g of the product contains 20 kcal and 2.6 g of sugar. It is rich in vitamins A, C, groups B and K.

Black gourmet tomatoes are fragrant and sweet, with hints of fruit. The main purpose is for fresh consumption: salads and decoration of dishes.It is believed that when preserved, the delicate skin of these fruits can burst from the hot marinade, but many successfully roll them into jars and are delighted with the rich taste of these pickled tomatoes. A good variety for the preparation of snacks: lecho and vegetable caviar.

This variety is characterized by medium early fruiting, stretching from July to September. Under cover, the plants bear fruit until October. About 4 months (110-120 days) pass from the moment of emergence to the collection of the first ripe fruits.

In the indeterminate bush of the Black Gourmet, about 170 cm high, as it grows, a thin, gradually woody stem is formed, simple inflorescences are formed every 2 leaves, and then weighty brushes, on which from 6 to 12 fruits ripen. Tomatoes can be picked with brushes, this method increases the shelf life. From 1 sq. m of tomato plantation receive about 5-6 kg of fruit of the marketable type.

The originator recommends sowing in mid-March. Then, after 60-65 days (approximately May 10-15), the seedlings can be planted on the site. Depending on the climatic zone and the growing method, these periods may shift. The main thing is that the soil warms up enough, and there is no threat of a return of night frosts.

For the comfortable growth of each bush, a planting scheme of 40 x 60 cm is used, planting 4 plants per 1 m². The root system of this variety is highly developed and goes deep into the ground. Average leafiness.

Black gourmet is an unpretentious self-pollinated variety with simple agricultural technology. Tall bushes grow well on light, fertile soil, so poor soil should be fed with humus and peat.

Young seedlings at first have a somewhat delicate, fragile appearance, but on the site they quickly grow and grow stronger. The variety loves the sun's rays, but also tolerates cool, cloudy summers well. The ovaries do not fall off during temperature fluctuations. Cracking of fruits occurs only with very prolonged rains, and rich sweetness can "leave" the taste. Well, under the reliable cover of film greenhouses, the variety easily tolerates all weather stresses.

Plants require standard nightshade care steps:

• loosening and mulching the soil;

• making seasonal dressings;

• watering at the root (infrequent).

The variety requires the removal of lateral stepsons, pinching the top and tying. The best result can be obtained by forming a bush of 1-2 stems.

The variety can be affected by fungal diseases: late blight, occasionally leaf spot. With the treatment and removal of the affected branches, the plant quickly recovers. The manufacturer promises resistance to viral diseases and apical rot. When growing a variety in a greenhouse, it is necessary to regularly ventilate the greenhouse, make sure that the bushes do not thicken, and that watering is not excessive.

To prevent the raids of harmful insects, it is necessary to disinfect the soil and carry out preventive spraying.