Tomato Black Russian

A large Russian heritage tomato in deep mahogany-brown, shading to green at the shoulder. Fruits run to 200 grams and more, with dense flesh, few seeds and the rich, almost savoury flavour that the dark beefsteaks are prized for.

This is a slicing tomato rather than a salad one. One fruit covers a plate, and it is at its best simply sliced thick with salt and good oil.

Needs a long warm season and does best under glass in Britain. Support it well — a truss of 200 gram fruit is heavier than it looks, and the stems will snap if left to carry it unaided.