Mortgage Lifter Tomato: Flavor, Benefits, And Uses

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are a heirloom variety of tomatoes developed in the early 1930s by M.C. Byles. The tomatoes were originally known as Radiator Charlie’s Mortgage Lifter and have since become an extremely popular garden favorite due to their flavor, size, and productivity. This article will provide more information about this unique variety of tomatoes and their history.

What are Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes?

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are a variety of heirloom tomatoes known for their especially large size and sweet flavor. The Mortgage Lifter tomato was developed in the early 1930s by M.C. Byles, a West Virginia farmer who sold thousands of plants during the Great Depression to pay off his mortgage. It is sometimes referred to as ‘Radiator Charlie’s tomato’ after Byles’ nickname. The large fruits weigh up to one pound each and have a mild, sweet flavor that makes them popular for salads, sauces, and other cooked dishes.

In recent years, seed companies have begun offering hybrid varieties of the Mortgage Lifter tomato that are more resistant to disease and require less staking. These new hybrids retain the sweet flavor and large size of their heirloom ancestor, making them ideal for home gardeners who want an easy-to-grow tomato with great taste. No matter which type you choose, the Mortgage Lifter will surely bring some old-fashioned flavor to your summer meals.

History and Origin of Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are an heirloom tomato variety dating back to the 1930s. They were bred by a farmer named M.C. Byles, who lived in Logan, West Virginia, and struggled with much debt on his farm. Desperate for a way out, he began cross-breeding different varieties of tomatoes to create a bigger and better fruit. After four years of breeding, Byles had created a large tomato that averaged one pound in weight. He dubbed it the ‘Mortgage Lifter’ – because each sale was enough to help him pay off his mortgage on the farm.

The taste of Mortgage Lifter tomatoes has been described as sweet and spicy with a distinctive tangy flavor. They are also known for being very juicy, making them a popular choice among home gardeners and farmers alike. The Mortgage Lifter tomato is an excellent choice for canning and preserving. It is resistant to cracking and bursting when heated, making it ideal for processing into sauces, salsas, or plain canned tomatoes. The thick flesh of the tomato makes it a great choice for slicing and eating fresh.

Generations of gardeners have enjoyed Mortgage Lifter tomatoes which are still widely available today. They are easy to grow in most climates with moderate care, making them popular among home growers everywhere.

Description of Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are large, beefsteak-type tomatoes that originated in West Virginia. They are firm and have a mild flavor with sweet overtones. They typically grow to about 8–10 cm (3–4 inches) in diameter, although some fruits may reach up to 15 cm (6 inches). The thick walls of the tomato provide excellent texture when used in sauces and as a raw ingredient.

The Mortgage Lifter tomato is well-suited for canning due to its size and density. These tomatoes are also known to store longer than other varieties, making them ideal for home gardeners who want to harvest some of their crops early and save them for later use.

Flavor Profile of Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are renowned for their robust and complex flavor profile. The large, globe-shaped fruits have a sweet, juicy flavor that is balanced out with a hint of tartness. They feature several notes, such as earthy, grassy, citrusy, and even tomato paste flavors.

The aroma of Mortgage Lifter tomatoes can be described as fruity and sweet, with a slight tomato-y funk. The combination of sweetness and acidity makes them an excellent ingredient for making salsa or traditional Italian sauces.

Seasonality and Availability Throughout the Year of Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are generally available throughout the year, but their growing season is from late spring to early fall. In colder climates, gardeners may need to start seeds indoors and wait to plant until the weather has warmed enough for tomatoes to set fruit. As a determinate variety, Mortgage Lifters produce most of their fruits all at once over two weeks. Gardeners should know this and plan for it by preserving extra tomatoes or giving them away when the harvest is at its peak.

Health Benefits of Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are an heirloom variety of tomatoes that have been around for decades. They are known for their large size and intense flavor. They’re also popular because they are easy to grow in any garden, from small containers to larger plots.

In addition to being incredibly delicious, there are a few other reasons why Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are a great choice for your garden. They are high in antioxidants and other nutrients that can help to promote good health. They also contain lycopene, which is believed to have cancer-fighting properties. Finally, they are packed with vitamins A, C, K, and B6, important in keeping our bodies healthy.

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are an excellent choice for any gardener looking to add some variety to their garden. They are easy to grow, provide many health benefits, and add great flavor to many dishes. They can bring beauty and deliciousness to any meal with the right care and attention.

Cultivation of the Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are best started from seed indoors, ideally 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Seeds should be planted in a sterile starter mix and kept consistently moist until germination, within 5-10 days after planting. Once the seedlings are established, they should be transplanted into individual 4” pots and grown under a grow light. Once the plants reach about 10-15 cm in height, they can be transplanted outside after all danger of frost has passed.

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes require well-drained soil with lots of organic matter and a pH between 6.2-6.8 for optimal growth and fertility. The area should get full sun for most of the day, and the soil should be kept consistently moist throughout the growing season. The plants will benefit from regular feeding with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost tea applied every 2 weeks and staking to support vigorous growth.

Plants can also be trellised for easier harvesting of fruit. As the tomatoes ripen through summer and fall, they can be harvested and enjoyed fresh or used in various recipes. To maximize the yield from each plant, remove any non-fruiting shoots throughout the season. With proper care, Mortgage Lifter tomatoes can provide an abundant harvest throughout the growing season.

Growing Mortgage Lifter tomatoes is a great way to enjoy the delicious taste of home-grown tomatoes all summer long. With its hardy nature and tasty fruits, this heirloom variety has become a favorite for gardeners everywhere. So why not give it a try in your vegetable garden this year and enjoy the sweet taste of success?

Harvesting of the Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes should be harvested when the fruits are fully ripened and mature. They will be deep red; some might have even reached a purplish hue. A gentle tug on the stem should reveal how easily it detaches from the plant. If more force is needed, the fruit may need to be ripe more. The tomatoes can be harvested individually, or the entire plant can be cut from the ground near the base.

Afterward, they should be placed in a single layer and allowed to dry for several hours to prevent bruising and soften their skin. After that, the Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are ready to be used in recipes or stored for later consumption.

Where do Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes grow region-wise?

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are most popular in the Southeast and Midwest regions. They thrive best in warm climates with lots of sun and humidity, making them ideal for growing in many parts of the United States. They particularly enjoy areas that receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Regarding soil, these tomatoes prefer a loamy mix high in organic matter, such as compost or manure.

What are the things to remember when buying Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes?

When shopping for Mortgage Lifter tomatoes, remember a few things.

• First, choose healthy tomatoes with no visible imperfections or signs of disease. Look for bright green stems and firm skin with an even color throughout the tomato.
• It is also important to check the size of the tomatoes you buy; Mortgage Lifters should be very large, typically weighing between 10 ounces and 1 pound or more.
• Be sure to buy tomatoes ripened on the vine and store them in a cool place away from direct sunlight. If stored properly, Mortgage Lifter tomatoes can last up to a week before they start to spoil.
• Finally, make sure you pick the tomatoes harvested at the right time. Ripe Mortgage Lifters should have a deep red color and feel slightly soft to the touch. If you pick them too early, they won’t ripen properly, and the flavor will not be as good.

Remembering these tips when shopping for Mortgage Lifter tomatoes, you can get the best quality produce to enjoy in your recipes.

What is the best way to store Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes?

One of the best ways to store Mortgage Lifter tomatoes is in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you can access a cold storage unit or cellar, this location is ideal for storing your Mortgage Lifter tomatoes. It’s also important to ensure the temperature remains consistent and does not fluctuate too much. Tomatoes should be kept between 70 and 85 degrees, with humidity around 50-70%.

When storing Mortgage Lifter tomatoes, you should keep them away from other produce that uses ethylene gas. This type of gas can cause the tomatoes to ripen prematurely, so storing them separately is important. You should also check on your tomatoes regularly to ensure they are not spoiling or going soft. If you cannot use them immediately, store them in a container with some holes for ventilation to help keep the tomatoes as fresh as possible.

Finally, washing and drying your Mortgage Lifter tomatoes before storing them is important. This will help prevent potential diseases from spreading and increase their shelf life. With the proper care and storage, your Mortgage Lifter tomatoes can last up to two weeks if kept in a cool, dry place.

How can Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes be used in recipes with other fruits and vegetables?

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes can be a delicious addition to all sorts of recipes, including those that involve other fruits and vegetables. For example, they can add a unique flavor to salads, soups, and sauces. Mortgage Lifter tomatoes can help naturally sweeten the meal’s flavors when added to dishes with other ingredients like onions or peppers. They are also great for adding texture to dishes, such as in roasted tomato soup.

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes can be used in salsa recipes to add a unique flavor. They can also be grilled or stuffed with other vegetables and herbs for an interesting twist on traditional vegetable side dishes. Furthermore, when combined with eggplant, bell peppers, and spices like oregano and basil, Mortgage Lifter tomatoes can make an amazing ratatouille.

Finally, Mortgage Lifter tomatoes can be used in various baked recipes, such as lasagna or pizza. They are especially good when combined with herbs and cheeses, creating a flavorful and unique dish. With its versatility in the kitchen, there are countless ways to use it.

Conclusion

Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are an excellent addition to any garden or kitchen. They offer a unique taste and texture that can add depth to various recipes. Proper care and storage can last up to two weeks if kept in cool, dry conditions. Mortgage Lifter tomatoes can be used in all sorts of dishes with other fruits and vegetables, making them a great choice for adding flavor to meals. Whether looking for a unique side dish or an interesting way to spice dinner, Mortgage Lifter Tomatoes will surely be a hit with any crowd.

For those looking to try something new in the kitchen, Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are worth considering. They can add flavor and texture to various recipes, as well as an interesting twist on traditional dishes. With the right ingredients and some creativity, Mortgage Lifter tomatoes are sure to make every meal memorable. So next time you’re looking for something special, try these unique tomatoes! You won’t be disappointed.