The Napa Giant is a high-yielding, pink heirloom tomato known for its massive size and excellent, sweet flavor. It is an indeterminate beefsteak variety developed by California breeder Brad Gates of Wild Boar Farms.
Origin and characteristics
Origin: The variety was developed by selectively breeding the largest fruits from a row of 'Mortgage Lifter' tomatoes. The initial plant produced fruits that were twice the size of a standard 'Mortgage Lifter'.
Size: Fruits are very large and can range from 1 to 3 pounds or more, with an average weight of 16 to 35 ounces (500 to 1,000 g).
Appearance: Napa Giant tomatoes have a pink skin and deep raspberry-pink flesh. They are large, rounded-flat beefsteak-style fruits with distinct ribbing near the stem.
Taste: The flavor is rich, sweet, and aromatic with a fruity profile and very low acidity. Its meaty, multi-chambered texture melts in your mouth.
Growing information
Growing habit: As an indeterminate variety, the Napa Giant plant continues to grow and produce fruit throughout the season until frost. It is a vigorous grower, developing sturdy and densely leafed bushes that can reach 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall or more.
Yield: It is exceptionally productive, even in challenging conditions. Growers can expect a large and consistent yield of giant fruits.
Care: Due to the large and heavy fruit load, the plant requires strong support through staking or caging to prevent branches from breaking.
Culinary use
The Napa Giant's size and flavor make it versatile in the kitchen.
It is an ideal choice for slicing onto sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
Its meaty flesh is also excellent for making sauces, juices, and other cooked dishes.