I was introduced to Opalka in 2018 after moving to Michigan. It has thrived in my gardens since then (I collected seeds every year) in mid-Michigan (zone 6a). Opalkas have far exceeded the size and flavor of any paste tomatoes I've grown: both Amish paste and Romas. I would compare the Opalka flavor to a good beefsteak and so above Roma flavor as to not be comparable in the least. I make a spaghetti sauce that never fails to evoke rave reviews. Opalkas are the foundation of this sauce. I have tried and rejected a number of heirlooms that do not work in my gardens due to disease or cracking. Opalkas, though, have remained a disease-resistant, heavily-productive tomato for us. Since I make them into sauce or fresh salsa, I do not blanch them and do not have an opinion on that matter. (I use a Victorio Strainer.) Another thing about Opalkas is that they can have quirky, odd shapes and they're just fun to grow and pick because of that. One Opalka is usually worth around 3 Romas. I LOVE Opalkas!!

I'm gardening in suburban Ohio, Zone 6b. I have been searching for an heirloom paste/sauce tomato to dethrone the hybrid Pomodoro Squisito for production and taste. Opalka nearly matched the Pomodoros for production this year — I picked 148 total tomatoes off two Opalka plants vs. 158 tomatoes from two Pomodoro plants. Unfortunately, the fruit of the Opalkas was not nearly as meaty as the Pomodoros, and the taste was rather bland, even by paste tomato standards. The Opalkas often had large open cavities (see photo), and blanching them to remove skins resulted in a squishy mess, while the Pomodoros were firm and easy to peel.

I thought Amish paste was going to be my goto for sauce/paste. I tried opalka this year and my mind has been changed. I will be growing opalka exclusively now. They aren't as large as Amish paste but the are far more productive and EXTREMELY easy to peel. The skins just slip off like a glove.

Can't wait to see how good they do. I love the quality & price. Can't wait to start planting this spring. Than you!