If you’re a gardener, then you know how important it is to find the right tomato varieties for your climate and growing conditions. The Amish Paste tomato is one variety that you should definitely consider planting this year! Hardy and productive, the Amish Paste is perfect for slicing, canning, and freezing. Keep reading to learn more about this great heirloom tomato.
Origins of the Amish Paste Tomato
The tomato is a plum variety of heirloom tomato that was first grown by Amish people in Pennsylvania.
It is said to have been developed in the 1870s by the Amish people in Medford, Wisconsin, who were some of the state’s first settlers. Fortunately for the rest of us, found in the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and shared with others.
Commercialization of heirloom seeds from Amish farms in Lancaster was undertaken by Tom Hauch of Heirloom Seeds. The variety was introduced in the 1987 SSE Yearbook by Thane Earl of Whitewater, Wisconsin.
The Amish Paste tomato is believed to be a cross between the Italian Roma tomato and the New England Yellow Pear tomato. This variety is highly adaptable to different climates, and it produces large amounts of fruit that are packed with rich, tangy flavor.
These tomatoes are named for their paste-like texture, which makes them ideal for canning, making tomato paste, and all kinds of tasty tomato sauce.
About the Amish Paste Tomato
This tomato is one of the bigger paste types. The fruit varies in weight from 6 to 12 ounces and ranges in shape from an oxheart to a plum.
Many gardeners use them as slicers instead of paste or sauce tomatoes. They feel the variety is not good for these because they are so juicy and seedy.
I have used Amish Paste tomatoes for both. I did have better results for paste when I strained the seeds from the juice using cheesecloth.
They have to be staked as other indeterminate varieties do.
Tips for Growing
You can read everything you need to know about growing tomatoes and about the different types of tomatoes in our other tomato posts.
- The plant foliage is sparse, which allows the fruit to get more sun than usual. This means the tomatoes are at a higher risk for sunscald and cracking.
- The tall plants tend to droop when the weather is hot so it’s important to secure them on the stake to prevent damage to the stalk.
- Most plants will do this in extreme heat but staked plants are at risk of falling over with the afternoon droop.
- If it’s severe, you may want to provide some afternoon shade.
- Tomatoes are big feeders, so be sure your soil is healthy.
- When your seedlings are about 3 inches tall, it’s time to transplant them into their permanent location in the garden.
- When you transplant them into their spot in your garden, this is a good time to stake them. Don’t secure the plant to the stake until it begins to get top-heavy.
- Plant seedlings 16″ apart in raised beds.
- In traditional row gardens, plant them 20″ apart for more growing room.
- It’s always important to water your tomatoes before the sun is on them to avoid scorching them.
- Be careful to avoid wetting leaves. You can do this by slowly watering the ground around them, buying special tomato waterers, or using an irrigation system.
With these simple tips, you’ll be enjoying delicious Amish Paste tomatoes all summer long!
Taste of the Tomato
Amish Paste tomatoes are well-known for their rich, tangy flavor. This variety is perfect for slicing and using in a variety of different recipes.
Whether you’re making a fresh tomato sauce or canning your own tomatoes, the Amish Paste is sure to add delicious flavor to your dishes.
Uses of the Amish Paste
These tomatoes are perfect for a variety of recipes. Their rich, tangy flavor pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making them a versatile addition to your kitchen.
As a slicer, the flavor and texture of this tomato cannot be beaten.
Of course, they are excellent as sauce and paste tomatoes. Sauces and pastes can be made fresh or canned for later use.
These tomatoes are also great for freezing or dehydrating, so you can enjoy this tasty variety all year long.
How to Preserve Amish Paste Tomatoes
There are many ways to preserve Amish Paste tomatoes so that you can enjoy them all year long. One of the most popular methods is to can them. This allows you to store the tomatoes in jars and enjoy them long after the growing season has ended.
Learn how to can tomatoes safely at home.
Another option is to freeze them.
- To freeze tomatoes, start by washing and chopping them into small pieces.
- Then, spread the pieces out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer.
- Once they’re frozen, transfer the tomatoes to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- You can also freeze them whole.
- Label the container with the date and variety of tomato, then store in the freezer for up to 12 months.
- When you’re ready to use the tomatoes, you can add them frozen to soups and stews. For other recipes, you may need to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before using them.
You can also dehydrate the tomatoes using a quality dehydrator. We’ve had this one for years and it’s still going strong. This is a great way to make your own dried tomatoes.
I always dehydrate at 118-120 degrees F to preserve the enzymes in the food. This takes longer, but the flavor and nutritional value are superb.
Whichever method you choose, preserving Amish Paste tomatoes is a great way to enjoy their delicious flavor all year round!
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Where to Purchase
You can order Amish Paste tomato seeds from many seed companies. Our favorite seed company is Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. You can purchase them from your favorite.
You can also find them at most gardening centers if you prefer purchasing seedlings.
Summary
If you are looking for a flavorful and versatile tomato variety, look no further than Amish Paste. With its rich taste and tangy texture, this tomato is perfect for sauces, pastes, soups, and more.
It can be easily preserved by canning or freezing so that you can enjoy it all year long. Whether you purchase the seeds or seedlings, you are sure to be pleased with this delicious variety.
You can learn about other tomato varieties in our tomato articles.
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