The quest for the perfect, sweetest tomato is a journey into flavor and science. While large, juicy beefsteak tomatoes are a garden staple, they are rarely the sweetest. The highest sugar content is consistently found in smaller varieties, which concentrate their sweetness into a more compact fruit. This natural sweetness is measured on the Brix scale, a key metric for determining which tomatoes are the most flavorful. Understanding these varieties and the factors that influence their sugar production is essential for any home gardener or culinary enthusiast. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top contenders for the title of the sweetest tomato, explain the science behind their sugar content, and provide tips for growing your own intensely flavorful crop.
The Sweetest of the Bunch: Top Tomato Varieties
When it comes to pure sugar content, a few specific varieties stand out from the crowd. These are often tiny, producing explosive bursts of sweet flavor that can be enjoyed raw or in simple preparations that highlight their natural taste.
- Candyland Red: This currant-type tomato is a champion of sweetness, with a Brix score of 12. The tiny, deep red fruits are produced in large, rambling vines and are a 2016 All-America Selections winner. They are perfect for snacking and resist cracking.
- Fantastico: A grape tomato variety, Fantastico also boasts an impressive 12 Brix score. It produces glossy, bright red, elongated fruits that are firm and crack-resistant. The bushy vines are high-yielding, making it a favorite for gardeners.
- Sugar Gloss: As its name suggests, this red cherry tomato is incredibly sweet, with a Brix rating of 12%. Its thin-skinned fruits are produced on double trusses, offering an abundant harvest.
- Matt's Wild Cherry: An heirloom currant tomato, Matt's Wild Cherry has a slightly lower but still exceptional Brix of 11.5. Known for its wild, sprawling vines and robust, pungent flavor, it offers a sweet taste with a hint of wildness.
- Rosada: This baby plum variety stands out with a very high Brix rating of 10.5. Though it can be difficult to find now, its exceptional sweetness made it a favorite among growers.
- Sun Sugar: This golden-orange cherry tomato is a customer favorite with a Brix reading of 10. It is known for its incredible sweetness, crack resistance, and heavy production.
The Science of Sweetness: What is Brix?
The Brix scale, measured in degrees Brix (°Bx), quantifies the sugar content in a fruit's liquid. It specifically measures the percentage of dissolved solids, which are primarily sugars, in a solution. A refractometer is used to measure this value. The higher the Brix number, the sweeter the fruit. While commercial tomatoes often fall in the 4–5 Brix range, the top varieties soar well past 10, indicating a much higher concentration of sugar and a more intense flavor.
Beyond Genetics: Cultivation Factors for Maximum Sugar
While genetics play the primary role in a tomato's potential sweetness, growing conditions are equally critical for reaching that potential. Environmental factors can drastically affect the final Brix score.
Maximizing Sunlight
Full sun is non-negotiable for sweet tomatoes. Photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, is what creates sugars. The more sunlight the plant receives, the more efficiently it can produce sugars, which are then concentrated in the fruit. For best results, ensure your tomato plants receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day.
Managing Water
Managing water is a delicate balance. Consistent and regular watering is important to avoid issues like fruit splitting. However, in the final stages of ripening, reducing the amount of water can stress the plant, causing it to concentrate its sugars and intensify flavor. Avoid excessive watering, especially as harvest approaches.
Providing Proper Nutrients
Over-fertilizing, especially with nitrogen, can promote lush foliage at the expense of fruit production and sweetness. A balanced fertilizer, designed specifically for tomatoes, provides the right mix of nutrients. Potassium, in particular, is an important macroelement for fruit development and flavor, which is abundant in many cherry tomatoes.
Choosing Your Perfect Sweet Tomato
To help you decide which high-sugar tomato is right for your garden, consider the following comparison table. It summarizes some of the best varieties and their key characteristics.
| Variety | Type | Approx. Brix | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Candyland Red | Currant | 12 | AAS Winner, resists cracking |
| Fantastico | Grape | 12 | High-yielding, bushy vines |
| Sugar Gloss | Cherry | 12% | Double trusses, abundant yield |
| Matt's Wild Cherry | Currant | 11.5 | Heirloom, pungent wild flavor |
| Rosada | Baby Plum | 10.5 | Intense flavor, small size |
| Sun Sugar | Cherry | 10 | Golden-orange, customer favorite |
Conclusion
When seeking what tomato has the highest sugar content, the answer points to the smaller, intensely flavorful cherry, grape, and currant varieties. While genetics provide the potential for sweetness, proper cultivation—including ample sunlight and carefully managed watering—is what unlocks the tomato's true flavor potential. By choosing a high-Brix variety and providing the right growing conditions, you can enjoy a harvest of incredibly sweet, garden-fresh tomatoes that far surpass anything found in a store. For more expert tips on cultivating delicious tomatoes, you can find helpful advice on how to grow the sweetest tomatoes to grow.
