Choosing tomatoes for a sandwich

Compare Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, and Black Krim, then choose by slice size, ripeness, and the sandwich you want to make.

By ShopTomato · Variety research and serving ideas

Start with the slice

A large tomato can cover a piece of bread with fewer overlapping slices. Beefsteaks are a useful starting point, but the best choice is also the one that is ripe and tastes good to you. A variety name alone cannot tell you how a particular harvest will taste.

Three varieties to compare

Pink Brandywine is known for rich flavor. Cherokee Purple has sweet flesh and rose-brown coloring. Black Krim brings a darker, purple-red appearance. These are published variety descriptions, not results from a ShopTomato tasting.

Build around the tomato

For a simple tomato sandwich, cut even slices and add salt to taste. Toasting the bread gives it more structure. If a tomato is especially juicy, assemble just before eating. For a smaller tomato, arrange several slices or halves rather than looking for a single bread-sized piece.

Try a fair comparison

Taste the tomatoes plain first, then try each with the same bread and toppings. Record ripeness, texture, and your own preference. There is no universal winner; keep the combination you enjoy.

Variety references: Seed Savers Exchange · tomato types Seed Savers Exchange · variety catalog Baker Creek · Brandywine Sudduth’s Strain