Mortgage Lifter is a tomato for lovers of large, pink beefsteak tomatoes. The fleshy fruits have few seeds and a full, slightly sweet flavor. In our variety, they weigh 500–1,200 g, so a single well-grown tomato is enough for a large salad or several hearty sandwiches.
The name roughly translates to “mortgage payer.” The most famous story associated with the “Radiator Charlie” line is about M.C. Byles from West Virginia, who paid off his mortgage by selling tomato seedlings. His recollections have even been preserved in an archival recording of a conversation with his grandson. There are various lines under the name “Mortgage Lifter,” but this story has become part of tomato folklore.
This tall, vigorous plant requires firm staking and additional support for its heavy clusters. It’s a variety best suited for a warm, sunny location. For a comparison of large pink fruits, consider “Tennessee Britches” as well.
