Recently Tomato enthusiasts have hyped their talks about the varieties and hybrids of the Tomato, with the new addition to the list being Big Beef and Big Boy.
Look through the article to understand the differences and similarities between Big Beef Tomato and Big Boy to bring the right one for your sandwiches and juices.
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Big Beef Tomato & Big Boy: Similarities
Belonging to the Nightshade family, both varieties resemble one another in various aspects, including the rounded shape and the growth pattern.
The Big Beef and Big Boy are vigorous vine growers requiring full sun for at least six hours and weekly watering.
Not to leave out, the Big Beef and Big Boy are not from the heirloom group. Instead, they are hybrid varieties that are not open-pollinated.
Even the ripening season of the Big Beef and Big Boy is in the late season as they continue to bloom and give around 50-100 Tomatoes per plant till fall as an indeterminate type.
Big Beef Tomato Vs. Big Boy: Differences
To be a different variety of Tomato, Big Beef and Big Boy should have specific differences making them appear as two.
Some other noticeable differences are listed below to clear out their uses and care tips.
1. Vining Habit and Fruit Size
Although both are indeterminate types, Big Beef tends to extend up to 7 feet long with a 2 to 3 feet width.
In contrast, Big Boy grows to attain a length of 4-6 feet in a single season to give out 8-9 ounces of large fruit that sums up to produce 50-100 fruits per plant.
Moreover, the Tomato fruit of Big Boy gives off a scarlet hue compared to the Big Beef Tomato’s bright red.
2. Yield & Harvest
As an indeterminate, both the Big Beef and Big Boy produce continuous bloom throughout the season until the first frost date arrives.
However, the harvest days might vary as the Big Beef gets ready to give the first harvest after 73 days of seedling transplantation and continues for eight weeks.
On the other hand, the Big Boy gives their first harvest after 78 days of seedling plantation and continues till the first frost date (for 2.5 months).
3. Culinary Uses
Big Beef holds up to the taste of the old-fashioned Tomato, bearing the same sweet and tangy flavor of the heirloom type but richer in taste.
In contrast, Big Boy seems to be flavorful and sweet, which gives a mildly tart taste but is in a balanced form.
You can also enjoy the Big Beef raw, but better to use it as juices and canning to prepare hot sauces.
Look at the table below for the summary!
| Characteristics | Big Boy Tomato | Big Beef Tomato |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Lycopersicon esculentum 'Big Boy' | Lycopersicon esculentum 'Big Beef' |
| Plant Growth | Attain a height of 4-6 feet | Attain a height of 7 feet |
| USDA Zone | 4-11 | 3-11 |
| Fruit Size | Almost 225 to 255 gram | Almost 285 to 340 gram |
| Flavor | Classic Tomato flavor with ideal balance of sweet and acidity | Mild sweet flavor with a hint of tanginess |
| Harvest Time | 78 days after outdoor plantation | 73 days after outdoor plantation |
| Disease Resistant | Resistant to crack and Fusarium wilt | Resistant to diseases like Verticillium and Fusarium wilts, and Mosaic virus |
From Editorial Team
Which One is Better?
Choosing one between the Big Beef and Big Boy can be a tough job, but you can decide based on your location and purpose of growth.
If you want longer yielding, go for Big Boy and grow Big Beef to savor a richer taste of Tomato.
