The Rare, 'Giant' Heirloom Tomato You Need To Grow For Perfect Salads All Summer

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

On the list of fun facts you probably didn't know about tomatoes, the knowledge that there are over 10,000 varieties of this luscious fruit is a mindblower. Take, for instance, the Dixie Golden Giant, the scientific name of which is "Solanum lycopersicum." These beautiful, fat tomatoes can weigh more than a pound apiece, and range in color from a true, sunny yellow all the way to orange, thanks to the pro-lycopene carotenoid pigment. Red tomatoes have lycopene in them; it's believed that the same pigments that make tomatoes yellow may also make them more nutritious for you! These enormous beefsteak tomatoes have a mild, fruity flavor and a firm, filling flesh that makes them ideal for slicing and eating.

There's some controversy about where Dixie Golden Giants came from. They were first unveiled to the public in 1994, but it's widely accepted that the Amish have been growing them since around the Great Depression. It's delightful to grow Dixie Golden Giants not just because of their mythical background, but also because they shine in classic summer salads. They mature faster than other tomatoes, which means that you'll be cutting them up and plating them in less than three months! All you need to do is order some seeds (Amazon has them available with free shipping as of this writing, albeit not Prime eligible) and check out the best fertilizer for gardening tomato plants.

Sure, you can add your fancy tomatoes to a BLT sandwich (which some folks make with tomato sauce!), but we love the fresh, veggie-forward preparations that summertime salads provide. You'll be happy to hear that golden tomatoes shine just as brightly as their red brethren in a classic Caprese salad with thick, meaty hunks of fresh mozzarella and some basil torn from your windowsill plant, allowing you to taste the bounty of your garden harvest in every bite. On the other hand, the rarity and specialness of your Dixie Giants will really take center stage in a salad that's focused primarily around tomato wedges stirred in with some crisp red onion, garlic, parsley, and a simple vinaigrette of red wine vinegar and EVOO. Craving something fresh that isn't a normal garden salad? How about a tomato salad with Asian flair topped with tahini, tamari, and a dressing of sesame oil and mirin?

No matter where your salad-making journeys take you, your creations won't be as delicious or as vibrant without a standout golden tomato. We think Dixie Golden Giants will bring special flair to your Memorial Day and July 4th barbecues and provide a fresh, light lunch when kicking your feet in the pool. Bring some Golden Giants to your garden this spring and summer, and taste the sunshine!