Raspberry Viscount is another masterpiece from Ukraine. Similar to Klondike (see Klondike’s description in this section), it was developed in Kharkiv at The Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences (NAAS) of Ukraine.
We are so happy to have been introduced to this variety by Ukrainian seedswoman Tania at Nikitovka Seeds, Ukraine. We asked Tania to recommend a few tomato varieties, and she recommended Raspberry Viscount, which turned out to be an excellent choice.
Pink tomatoes weren’t on our radar until we grew Raspberry Viscount and then, simultaneously, came across a study that found that pink tomatoes can have high lycopene levels. The study looked at the biochemical composition of tomatoes of various colours, and found that pink tomatoes (and orange-red tomatoes) have higher levels of lycopene (26.32-35.53 mg/100g) than tomatoes of other colours (e.g. red, purple-red, red-brown, yellow, yellow-orange, green; the average lycopene level of tomatoes in the study was 16.2 mg/100g). Lycopene is an important antioxidant that is cited by numerous studies for its health benefits, including cardio-vascular effects, anticancer effects and anti-inflammatory effects to name a few (Khan et al 2021).
Plant Characteristics: We can’t say enough good things about this tomato. Raspberry Viscount produces gorgeous, raspberry pink, large beefsteak tomatoes that are ready mid-season. They have an excellent sweet taste and perfect firm texture. The compact plants are easy to manage with a small stake, the only reason they need a stake is because the fruits are so large. The NAAS catalog description for Raspberry Viscount also states it is resistant to major diseases.
How to Plant: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Plant seed 5mm (¼ inch) deep. Keep moist. When true leaves appear, transplant to a larger container if needed. Transplant outside after the danger of frost has passed/later spring.
