Delicious

The Delicious tomato is an open-pollinated heirloom cultivar of Solanum lycopersicum developed in Pennsylvania by W. Atlee Burpee & Co. and introduced in 1974. Selected directly from standard Beefsteak lineage, this indeterminate plant produces vigorous green regular foliage and yellow blossoms, bearing extra-large oblate red fruits designed for productive field performance.

The cultivar gained widespread horticultural fame for yielding the long-standing Guinness World Record tomato weighing 7 lb 12 oz (3.51 kg), grown by Gordon Graham in 1986. Characterized by moderate ribbing, a solid red interior, and notable cracking resistance, Delicious combines extreme size potential with a clean, sweet, and balanced flavor.

Origin and Genetics

Introduced in 1974 by W. Atlee Burpee & Co. of Pennsylvania, Delicious was developed through careful selection from standard Beefsteak stock. It is a stable, open-pollinated heirloom cultivar, ensuring that seeds saved from mature fruit remain true to type across successive growing seasons.

Botanical Profile

Delicious exhibits an indeterminate growth type accompanied by standard regular green foliage and yellow flowers. The fruits develop into extra-large, oblate beefsteak forms featuring moderate surface ribbing and uniform red coloration from shoulder to base. Internally, the tomato features solid, meaty red flesh with high structural integrity and natural resistance to skin cracking.

Flavor and Aroma

The culinary profile of Delicious is defined by a sweet and balanced flavor. Its dense, substantial flesh provides a classic, rich tomato taste without overwhelming acidity, making it highly palatable for fresh table use.

Cultivation

Well-adapted for field growing, Delicious thrives in outdoor beds under full sun exposure. Due to its indeterminate habit and capacity to produce exceptionally heavy beefsteak fruit, plants require sturdy physical support throughout the active growing season.

Culinary Applications

With its broad diameter and meaty texture, Delicious is primarily utilized for fresh slicing, salads, and sandwiches. Its firm flesh and low seed cavity ratio also make it an effective choice for home canning projects.