Viewing comments posted by katesflowers

Michigan, zone 4b. Plant produces a flush of buds in mid-summer giving a wonderful show in late summer.

Growing zone 4b, S.E. Michigan. I grew my Opalka plants from seed, started indoors March 13, 2021.
I picked the first two Opalka heirloom tomatoes today, August 21, 2021.
It's mid-August and the vines are vibrant and still producing blooms. Plants have sturdy stakes and are off the ground. While I see hornworm, fusarium blight & cracking on neighboring Cherokee Purple & Sungold Cherry tomatoes, there are none of these problems with Opalka.
Ripe tomatoes are firm and overall red with no green or tough shoulders.
Upon washing & slicing, I notice skin is not tough or thick. Very few seeds, mostly even red flesh that is NOT mealy. These are not an excessively juicy tomato.
Flavor is real old fashioned tomato. A light hint of sweetness, not acid tasting at all. When eaten alone, a sweet aftertaste can be detected.
I predict I would use Opalka as a slicer for fresh serving; for paste, sauce, ketchup; in stews & soups; water bath canning method, and, even freezing whole.
I will save seeds & grow again next year.