Beefsteak Vs Heirloom Tomatoes: Which Is Best For A BLT?

Beefsteak tomatoes have all the right proportions

For those unfamiliar, the beefsteak tomato is a large, sturdy variety that is especially popular in New Jersey and beyond. These tomatoes are among the biggest available, with a dense flesh that makes it easy to cut them into thick, steak-like slices. This quality makes beefsteaks ideal for traditional tomato sandwiches as well.

Heirloom tomatoes, on the other hand, do not refer to a specific type. Instead, this term encompasses a variety of colorful, sometimes oddly-shaped fruits that come from naturally pollinated seeds passed down through generations. This means you can enjoy ripe, seasonal, juicy tomatoes of different shapes and sizes. However, the classification is not strictly regulated, so not every heirloom tomato is as rustic or "authentic" as it may seem. The word "juicy" often describes heirlooms, and each slice can contain a significant amount of moisture.

Chef Michelle Wallace believes that beefsteaks are the best choice for BLTs because "The size of the tomato is ideal for sandwiches, and the ratio of flesh to seeds is higher." This results in less of the slippery "goo" typically found inside tomatoes, preventing the slices from sliding around. Consequently, the beefsteak helps "Save the sandwich from some of the moisture that comes with fresh tomatoes," according to Wallace. Fresh tomatoes are always preferable—steering clear of out-of-season varieties will help avoid blandness. However, Wallace suggests that there's an even better option if you can find it: "The ultimate find would be an heirloom beefsteak tomato," she notes.