From the humble cherry tomato to the more precious heirloom varieties, there’s a tomato for every taste and dish. If you’ve ever wondered about the different types, or which one to use when, we’ve made this handy guide to help you. So, the next time you’re at the farmers market this tomato season or at the grocery store, don’t be afraid to mix it up and try something new. After all, variety is the spice of life – and tomatoes are definitely no exception!
Cherry Tomatoes – Bursting with Flavor
The pint-sized powerhouses of the tomato family. These little guys are like tiny flavor bombs, packing a punch in salads, pasta dishes, and even grilled on skewers. Their sweet, tangy flavor adds a pop of brightness to any recipe. Plus, they’re perfect for snacking straight off the vine. Add them to a pasta salad, an appetizer spread, a delicious tomato tart, or create a fresh skillet pasta sauce.
Roma Tomatoes – Sauce Bosses
When it comes to making sauces, soups, or salsa, Roma tomatoes are the true MVPs. With their meaty texture and low moisture content, these oblong-shaped beauties are ideal for cooking down into a thick, rich sauce. Whether you’re whipping up a classic marinara or a zesty pico de gallo, Roma tomatoes have got your back.
San Marzano – Fan Favorites
These tomatoes are a type of plum tomato, but longer and thinner. Named for the town in Italy that they are born from, this variety is most commonly found in cans on grocery store shelves. They hold a higher price tag, being the most desired, but those that swear by them refuse to buy anything else.Try some in a baked eggplant Parmesan.
Beefsteak Tomatoes – King of the Sandwich
If you’re a sandwich aficionado like we are, then you know that beefsteak tomatoes reign supreme between two slices of bread. These hefty tomatoes are known for their large size and juicy flesh, making them the perfect star ingredient in sandwiches, burgers, or a fresh and delicious Caprese salad. Just one thick slice can elevate your sandwich game to new heights! If you’ve never tried a beefsteak tomato and mayonnaise sandwich – you must prioritize that this tomato season.
Grape Tomatoes – Snack Attack
Similar to cherry tomatoes but slightly elongated, grape tomatoes are another snackable, poppable delight. These little guys are perfect for tossing into salads, skewering on appetizer platters, or roasting for a burst of concentrated flavor. Plus, their firm texture holds up well in cooked dishes, making them a versatile addition to any recipe. Want to make the viral tomato and feta pasta sauce? Grape tomatoes are the perfect choice for that one.
Heirloom Tomatoes – Timeless Treasures
Ah, heirloom tomatoes – the crown jewels of the tomato world. These colorful, oddly-shaped fruits come in a rainbow of hues, each with its own unique flavor profile. From the sweet, floral notes of the pink and sometimes orange Brandywine to the rich, earthy taste of the purple and deeply red marbled Cherokee Purple, heirloom tomatoes add a touch of nostalgia and true, rich tomato flavor to any dish. You’ll often find these beauties gracing the stalls of farmers markets in the summer, so be sure to snatch them up while you can!
What Makes Heirloom Tomatoes Special?
Unlike their hybrid counterparts, heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated, meaning they’re grown from seeds that have been passed down through generations. This gives them their distinctive shapes, colors, and flavors, harkening back to a time when tomatoes were celebrated for their diversity rather than uniformity.
Common Heirloom Varieties at Markets
Brandywine: Known for its large size and sweet, slightly acidic flavor, the Brandywine tomato resembles a beefsteak is a favorite among heirloom enthusiasts. These tomatoes might be a pinkish red, red with bits of orange, or yellow. It’s perfect for slicing up and layering in sandwiches or enjoying on its own with a sprinkle of salt.
Cherokee Purple: With its dusky purple hue and rich, smoky flavor, the Cherokee Purple tomato is a true standout. It’s delicious diced into salads or sliced and layered in sandwiches, where its unique color adds a pop of visual interest.
Striped German: A beautiful golden variety, often boasting an interior marbling with a reddish hue. Their complex, fruit flavor is excellent on toast, chopped up in salads, or layered in a galette or tomato pie.
Green Zebra: Don’t let its green stripes fool you – the Green Zebra tomato is bursting with vibrant flavor. Its tart, tangy taste pairs perfectly with creamy cheeses and fresh herbs, making it a must-have for summer salads and appetizers.