The Difference Between Red And Yellow Tomatoes Is Easily Explained By Science

When you think of tomatoes, it's likely that a large red beefsteak variety is what first comes to mind. However, as classic as these are, most of us know they're far from the only type of tomatoes around. If you check out a farmer's market that sells heirloom tomatoes, you'll find a range of tomato varieties and sizes. They even come in a variety of colors, including pinks and yellows. What you probably didn't know is that the color of the tomato is determined by its lycopene content.

Lycopene is a type of carotenoid and is responsible for a tomatoes' color. The more lycopene a tomato has, the darker red it will be. This means that yellow tomatoes only contain a relatively small amount of lycopene compared to red varieties. Lycopene doesn't just make your food look beautiful; it also appears to have a range of health benefits, as it is an antioxidant. Diets rich in lycopene have been linked to lower rates of some forms of cancer and improved cardiovascular health. 

While tomato color is mostly determined by genetics, there can also be situations where it suggests that there is a problem with the fruit. You don't want what's supposed to be a red tomato to end up being yellow around the stem instead. This can be a sign of the disease referred to as "yellow shoulder". While the exact cause is unknown, yellow shoulder seems to be related to excessive magnesium and insufficient potassium. Growing your plants in loose and well-draining soil and using shade cloth to provide some sun protection for the fruits should help prevent this.

Regardless of whether you are growing a red tomato like 'Abraham Lincoln' or a gorgeous yellow variety like 'Lillian's Yellow', the care of the plant is the same. Tomatoes need full sun and regular moisture to thrive. And because many tomato plants can get quite tall, you'll also need to provide some support for your plant. Luckily, there are a wide range of ways to stake your tomato plant. So you should be able to find an easy and affordable way to keep your tomato from sprawling on the ground.