Multiple heirloom varieties of pink tomatoes are native to Bulgaria, celebrated for their excellent sweet and meaty flavor. Among the most famous are the Pink Beef Tomato and the Kurtovo Konare Pink Tomato.
Common pink Bulgarian tomato varieties
Kurtovo Konare Pink Tomato: Originally cultivated in the Pazardzhik plain, this variety is known for its incredible sweetness and meaty texture. Because it is soft and delicate, it does not transport well, making it a specialty at local markets. The seeds for this heritage variety are passed down through generations of local farmers.
Bulgarian Pink Beef Tomato: A large heirloom beefsteak-type tomato popular in Bulgarian gardens and markets. It has a deep pink or purple-pink color and is prized for its aromatic, flavorful, and meaty flesh, which contains very few seeds.
Large Pink Bulgarian: An indeterminate heirloom plant that produces large, dark-pink beefsteak-type fruits, typically weighing between 8 and 16 ounces. It offers a complex, intense flavor with a balance of sweetness and acidity.
Pink Gift (Rozov Dar): This indeterminate variety produces very large, heart-shaped pink fruits, some of which can weigh up to 1 kilogram. Its dense, fleshy texture and excellent flavor evoke the authentic taste of classic Bulgarian tomatoes.
Pink Magic (Magia Roz): A mid-early, high-yield indeterminate variety suitable for greenhouses or outdoor growing with support. Its round, light pink fruits are known for their amazing taste and juicy flavor.
Features of pink Bulgarian tomatoes
Sweetness and flavor: These tomatoes are famous for their exceptional, intensely sweet flavor, often with complex and aromatic notes.
Heirloom varieties: Many of the most sought-after pink Bulgarian tomatoes are heirloom varieties, meaning their seeds have been passed down for generations.
Texture: Pink varieties are typically very meaty with few seeds. Some heirloom types, like the Kurtovo Konare, have thin, delicate skins and soft flesh.
Size: The fruits often grow quite large, with many varieties reaching beefsteak size.
Culinary use: Their rich flavor and meaty texture make them ideal for salads, slicing, and for cooking into sauces and preserves like lyutenitsa, a popular Bulgarian condiment.
Growing conditions: The quality of Bulgarian tomatoes is linked to the country's sunny climate. However, some heirloom varieties, like the Kurtovo Konare, are facing challenges from climate change and pests.
