Orange Tomato Varieties: A Burst of Color for Your Garden
Originally post June 21, 2024
Updated August 15, 2025
One of my favorite sights in the late-summer garden is a tomato so bright and golden-orange it looks like a small sun hanging on the vine. Orange tomatoes don’t just add some vibrancy to a garden but they bring a naturally sweet, lower acidic flavor that’s as delightful fresh off the plant as it is in a salad or simmered into sauce. Honestly, sometimes I think I prefer orange and yellow tomatoes to red because of the lower acidity and sweetness. If you haven’t tried a yellow or orange tomato, then you’ve gotta try them! They’re just as juicy too.
If you’ve only ever grown the standard red varieties from store-bought seedlings, you’re missing out on the rainbow. To grow the truly unique colors — black, striped, purple, and of course, vibrant orange — you’ll want to start from seed. That’s where the real variety shows up.
At the time of the update of this post, it’s a bit too late to plant tomatoes from seed for those of us that are on Zones 6 and 7. (Unless you’ve started a succession crop earlier in the season, of course!) However, it’s still possible to plant seedlings from the store or from a local nursery, if they happen to have orange tomatoes. Or if you’re not planting anymore this year, maybe add this to your list garden planning for next year.
Not only do I discuss different varieties, but I also go over how to preserve them, including step-by-step instructions on how to dehydrate them.
This post is all about orange tomato varieties.
As an Amazon Associate I earn on qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here. I am in no way sponsored by any of the companies/products listed below and therefore have no bearing on the products I choose to review or recommend.
Table of Contents
Why You Should Grow Orange Tomatoes?
Orange tomatoes stand out in both the garden and the kitchen in terms of flavor, acidity, being packed with nutrients, and its versatility in the kitchen. They can be used in the same way red tomatoes can be.
Here is a little more information about their characteristics:
- Sweet, mellow flavor – Many orange varieties have more natural sugars and less acidity than reds, making them taste almost fruity.
- Lower acidity – With a pH often around 4.2–4.5, they can be gentler on sensitive stomachs.
- Nutrient-rich – Packed with vitamins A and C, they’re good for your skin, immune system, and overall health.
- Versatile in the kitchen – Slice for salads and sandwiches, roast for sauces, or snack on them fresh.
How Orange Tomatoes Came to Be
Tomatoes originated in South America, and while early fruits were smaller and more bitter, farmers and breeders eventually began selecting for size, flavor, and color.
In the 1800s, breeders like Alexander W. Livingston began developing varieties with smoother skins, better flavor, and brighter colors — including the first orange tomatoes. His Golden Queen, introduced in 1882, set the stage for many of the orange varieties we grow today. Later, in 1984, Gary Staley introduced the Amana Orange, which quickly became a favorite for its size and taste.
Today, breeders continue to create new orange varieties, ranging from bite-sized cherries to hefty beefsteaks.
Favorite Orange Tomato Varieties
Over the years, I’ve grown quite a few orange and yellow tomatoes. Some varieties you can just pop in your mouth like it’s a candy because it’s just so sweet and delicious. They can be eaten right off the vine without having to cut them up. They’re so addictive.
Amana Orange – A true showstopper. These heirlooms can nearly a pound each, with a meaty, juicy texture. They have a yellowish-orange color with a slightly tangy taste, which is more acidic than other orange and yellow varieties. They need about 90 days to ripen, so plant early and give them plenty of support. They’re named after the area that they come from – Amana, Iowa. They’re great for sandwiches and slicing due to their size. This variety is also indeterminate, but will be ready to harvest more towards the end of the growing season.
Big Orange – Big flavor and big yields, with fruits around a pound each. Expect to wait about 85 days before harvesting, but the payoff is worth it.
Ildi – Small, pear-shaped, and perfect for salads or snacking. The plants are prolific and beautiful in hanging baskets.
Sungold – The candy of the tomato world. These little cherry tomatoes are incredibly sweet and ready in just 57–60 days. Great for snacking straight from the vine. It’s an indeterminate variety and grows extremely tall, so be prepared to give this one support.
Persimmon – Medium to large fruits with a deep orange hue and mild, sweet flavor. This heirloom has been grown since the 1800s and is wonderful for fresh eating or canning. This variety ripens in about 80 days aThey are less acidic, making them perfect for those who prefer a sweeter tomato. Persimmon tomatoes are versatile, ideal for fresh eating, cooking, and canning.These plants are also indeterminate, providing fruit over a long growing period.
Cooking with Orange Tomatoes
In the kitchen, orange tomatoes are every bit as versatile as their red cousins — but their sweetness can really shine in certain dishes:
- Fresh salads – Slice and toss with greens, cucumbers, and herbs for a colorful plate.
- Caprese with a twist – Pair with mozzarella and basil for a sunny take on the classic.
- Salsas – Dice with onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño for a bright, sweet salsa.
- Roasted sauces – Roast with garlic and olive oil, then blend for a rich pasta sauce.
- Soups – Simmer with onion and broth for a golden tomato soup that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Preserving the Harvest
If you’re lucky enough to grow more orange tomatoes than you can eat fresh, there are several ways to keep that sunny flavor for later. As I mentioned before, these can be used in the same way as red tomatoes, and that includes preserving.
- Canning – Perfect for sauces, soups, and stews. Be sure to add lemon juice for safe acidity.
- Drying – Slice and dry in a dehydrator or low oven for concentrated flavor.
- Freezing – Core, chop, and freeze for easy additions to winter recipes.
If you’re looking for more information on canning, check out All New Ball Book Of Canning And Preserving: Over 350 of the Best Canned, Jammed, Pickled, and Preserved Recipes.
How to Dry Tomatoes
Drying orange tomatoes is a great way to preserve. Follow these simple steps to dry them. There are a couple of tools you’ll need in order to get going. I’ve included instructions for the dehydrator and oven separately, depending on which route you want to go or what kind of tools you have on hand.
Dried tomatoes can be rehydrated and used in various recipes, from salads to pasta dishes. They offer a concentrated flavor and are efficient for long-term storage, taking up less space than canned tomatoes.
Tools you need
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Dehydrator or use an oven
- Baking sheet or dehydrator trays
- Paper towels or clean cloth
Instructions for dehydrator
1. Wash and remove the stems of the tomatoes.
2. Slice the tomatoes evenly, about 1/4 inch, or 6mm, thick to ensure they dry uniformly. Pat the tomato slices dry with either paper towels or a clean cloth.
3. Place the tomatoes slices on a dehydrator tray. Use a dehydrator set to 140°F. If you’re using a dehydrator, double check the manual for the appropriate temperature setting for fruits. For my dehydrator that I have (Cuisinart), it says to set it to ‘medium’, which is 140°F.
4. Let the tomato slices dry for 7 hours, or until they’re completely dry. Once they’re dry, they should still be pliable.
Instructions for oven
- Heat the oven to 225°F.
- While the oven is heating up, wash and remove the stems of the tomatoes.
- Slice the tomatoes evenly, about 1/4 inch, or 6mm, thick to ensure they dry uniformly. Pat the tomato slices dry with either paper towels or a clean cloth.
- Place the tomatoes slices on a baking sheet and in the oven for 5 to 6 hours.
The tomatoes are ready when they’re wrinkly, dried, and pliable.
Storage
There are a couple of ways you can store the tomatoes once they’re dry. They can either be placed in plastic freezer bags and stored in the freezer or in the fridge and keep for 6 months. When you put them in the plastic bags, make sure to squeeze out all of the air. Or you can use a vacuum sealer.
Final Thoughts
Orange tomatoes are more than just pretty faces in the garden — they’re sweet, versatile, and full of history. Whether you grow them for their flavor, their color, or the way they light up your garden beds, they’re sure to earn a permanent spot in your planting plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best tasting orange tomato varieties?
Orange Russian Tomato is known for its large, heart-shaped fruits with a meaty texture. Another popular variety is Amana Orange, which has a yellowish-orange color and is rich in flavor. Both varieties can be enjoyed in various dishes.
How do orange heirloom tomatoes differ from regular orange tomatoes?
Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated and passed down through generations, while regular ones may not have this lineage. For example, the Dad’s Sunset variety is an heirloom that offers a rich, sweet flavor and a long ripening period.
In terms of flavor, how do orange tomatoes compare to red ones?
Orange tomatoes tend to have a higher sugar content and lower acidity. This makes them taste sweeter and less tart than red tomatoes, which usually have a more balanced sweet and acidic flavor profile.
Are there unique health benefits associated with eating orange tomatoes?
Orange tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, providing essential nutrients for your health. They also contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Their unique combination of vitamins and antioxidants can support your immune system and overall health.
What are the best varieties of orange beefsteak tomatoes?
For beefsteak varieties, consider the Orange Russian Tomato, which offers large and flavorful fruits perfect for slicing. Another excellent option is the Amana Orange, known for its robust size and rich taste, making it a great choice for various culinary uses.
This post was all about orange tomato varieties.
Other Posts You May Like
10 Companion Plants that Love Tomatoes
