When it comes to growing low acid tomatoes, there are many varieties to choose from. And because they come in all different shapes, sizes and colors, you may be wondering which tomato is best to grow in your garden.
However, there is a common misconception when it comes to the term ‘low-acid’ tomato. The majority of tomatoes labeled as low-acid, actually register very similar on the pH scale as standard tomatoes.
The biggest difference is that the taste of low-acid tomatoes is milder and has way less of a bite than other tomatoes. That is because they have a higher sugar content, which helps to balance the classic acidity taste.
However, because of their sweetness, many people can tolerate eating them without the negative side effects of other varieties of tomatoes. So which tomatoes are the best to grow in your garden?
Which Low Acid Tomatoes To Grow?
The easy answer is to grow a tomato plant that produces tomatoes that you enjoy eating. Whether you are looking to add a small variety to your lunch time salad, or looking for a large slicing tomato to enjoy on a hamburger, find a variety that fits your needs.
Low acid tomatoes usually come in colors like yellow, orange, or pink instead of deep red. That’s not a hard rule, but it’s a good sign you’re looking at a tomato that won’t hit you with as much acidity.
Below are some of the best-known and most trusted low acid tomato varieties that home gardeners can grow successfully depending on your garden set up and experience.
1. Yellow Pear Tomato
The Yellow Pear tomato is a favorite among gardeners, especially those who like a tomato that’s as pretty as it is tasty. These little tomatoes grow in clusters and look just like their name – small, yellow, and shaped like a pear. They’re very low in acid compared to other tomato varieties, and their flavor is sweet and mild.
This variety grows best when it’s staked or supported on a trellis, and it produces heavily all summer long. Yellow Pear tomatoes are perfect for snacking right off the vine or adding to a fresh garden salad.
Because they’re a small cherry-type tomato, they ripen quickly and continue to produce until frost.
2. Golden Jubilee
Golden Jubilee tomatoes are bright orange, round, and medium in size. They were developed in the 1940s and have been a popular low acid tomato ever since. The flavor is smooth and sweet, and they’re often used for slicing and eating fresh.
Golden Jubilee tomatoes grow on indeterminate vines, which means they keep growing and producing until the first frost hits. They need a little more space and support, but the payoff is worth it. Gardeners love this variety because it’s reliable and puts out a good harvest.
3. Lemon Boy Low Acid Tomatoes
Lemon Boy tomatoes are one of the more well-known low acid varieties available in seed catalogs and garden centers. These tomatoes are a sunny yellow color and medium in size, usually weighing about 7 ounces. They have a tangy-sweet flavor without the sharp acidity found in regular red tomatoes.
Lemon Boy plants are strong growers and disease resistant, making them a great pick for gardeners who want a low maintenance tomato with steady production. They’re good for sandwiches, slicing, or even roasting in the oven for a sweeter tomato side dish.
4. Golden Girl
Golden Girl tomatoes are smooth-skinned, round, and golden-orange in color. They are a hybrid variety that are not only sweet but also low in acid, and they don’t have the strong tomato bite that turns some people off.
This tomato is firm and meaty with fewer seeds, which makes it a good choice for fresh eating or light cooking. Golden Girl grows on indeterminate vines and will keep producing all season long if given regular water and sun. They need cages or stakes for support but are otherwise easy to care for.
5. Yellow Brandywine Low Acid Tomatoes
Yellow Brandywine tomatoes are part of the heirloom family and have a rich, buttery flavor with hardly any tang. These tomatoes are large and meaty, often reaching up to a pound or more. They’re yellow in color and sometimes have a pink blush near the stem.
Because they’re heirlooms, Yellow Brandywine tomatoes are grown for flavor more than looks. They can be a little more difficult to grow and are not as disease-resistant as hybrid types. But for taste alone, they’re worth it. These are slicing tomatoes at their finest and are a great addition to any sandwich.
6. Golden Sunburst (Sun Gold)
Golden Sunburst tomatoes, often called Sun Gold, are small, round cherry tomatoes with a bright orange skin and a sweet, candy-like flavor. While not completely acid-free, they are lower in acid compared to most red cherry varieties.
Sun Gold tomatoes are a favorite in home gardens because they produce early, grow quickly, and are hard to stop once they get going. These are perfect for eating straight off the plant, adding to salads, or tossing into pasta. They grow on indeterminate vines, so they’ll need a tall trellis or tomato cage.
7. Pink Girl
Pink Girl tomatoes are another hybrid that falls into the low acid category. These are smooth, round, and pink in color, with a mellow flavor that’s not too sharp. They’re often used for slicing, especially for folks who don’t like the zing of red tomatoes.
Pink Girl is a dependable plant that produces medium-sized fruits and holds up well in the heat. It’s also disease-resistant and does fine in both raised beds and traditional garden plots. This is a good all-around tomato with a mild taste.
8. Big Rainbow
Big Rainbow tomatoes are a showstopper in the garden. These heirloom tomatoes are large and streaked with shades of red, orange, and yellow. Their flavor is sweet and fruity with little acidity, and they make a colorful addition to any summer plate.
Because of their size and heirloom nature, Big Rainbow tomatoes can need good air circulation and support. But when grown with care, they reward the gardener with big, beautiful tomatoes perfect for slicing.
If you are thinking about entering your county fair produce competition, these tomatoes will definitely catch the eye of the judges. (See Related Article: How To Grow Big Rainbow Tomatoes)
9. Low Acid Jubilee Tomatoes
Jubilee tomatoes are a separate variety than Golden Jubilee, though they share some traits. They’re medium-size, orange, and low in acid with a sweet, mild flavor. These tomatoes are good for folks who want something easy to grow and easy on the stomach.
Jubilee plants grow on indeterminate vines and like full sun and rich soil. They’re often used in fresh dishes, and their low acid level makes them a favorite among those with sensitive stomachs.
10. Dr. Wyche’s Yellow
Dr. Wyche’s Yellow is an heirloom tomato that’s big, golden-orange, and meaty. It’s one of the best low acid tomatoes when it comes to flavor, with a deep, rich taste that’s more sweet than tangy.
This tomato grows on tall vines and can produce large fruits weighing up to a pound. It’s not a heavy producer, but what you get is high quality. It’s perfect for slicing and enjoying fresh, and many tomato lovers grow it for the taste alone.
There you have it! 10 low acid tomato plants that you can grow in your garden if you’re looking for a gentler bite without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned pro, choosing the right tomatoes can help you enjoy your harvest.
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