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Tomato varieties, with a count exceeding 10,000, hold a significant place in global cuisines.
Tomatoes, especially those we encounter in Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines, are indispensable fruits for us.
Yes, you heard that right!
Just because they are predominantly used in savory dishes rather than sweet recipes, don’t let the fact that tomatoes are botanically fruits lead you to think they are vegetables.
Now that we’ve cleared up a common misconception, we can focus on the six most frequently used tomato varieties in the kitchen:
Round Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Beefsteak Tomatoes, Heirloom Tomatoes, Plum Tomatoes, and Grape Tomatoes.
These distinct tomato types differ in terms of their aromas, textures, sizes, and culinary functions.
For instance, while large and fleshy tomatoes are preferred for sandwiches, types that are less watery and have a more intense flavor stand out for sauce making.
Small and sweet tomatoes, on the other hand, are used in salads and as garnishes.
Following this brief introduction, we can now dive into our new article. Happy reading! 🙂
1. Round Tomato (Slicing/Table Tomato)
Characteristics
The Round Tomato, also known as the table tomato, is one of the most widely produced tomato varieties globally.
The primary reason for this is its versatile use, thanks to its balanced flavor and high water content.
Furthermore, the approximate pH value of the round tomato, which is 4.3, is another defining characteristic of this variety.
Culinary Uses
Round tomatoes are considered a “general-purpose” ingredient in kitchens.
They can be consumed raw in your rich breakfast spreads and are frequently included in onion salads.
When cooked, the round tomato retains its flavor, adding zest to your soups and other hot meals.
Moreover, its use as a raw material in tomato pastes proves that this variety is indispensable not only in home kitchens but also in industrial food production.
2. Cherry Tomato
Characteristics
The Cherry Tomato stands out with its small, round, and bright red appearance.
Its sweetish aroma combined with its high water content makes the cherry tomato enjoyable both visually and in terms of taste.
The average pH value is 4.18, its water content is 93.2%, and its fiber content is around 0.46%.
These values indicate that the cherry tomato is a suitable option, especially for those seeking light and refreshing flavors.
Culinary Uses
The small size and sweet flavor of the cherry tomato make it indispensable for salads and garnishes.
We frequently encounter it on cheese boards, in mezze presentations with butter, or on an elegant breakfast table.
Additionally, using cherry tomatoes lightly caramelized in oven-baked dishes further accentuates their aroma.
In summary, the cherry tomato shines as the aesthetic accompaniment to dishes, both in daily consumption and in professional kitchens.
3. Beefsteak Tomato (Beef)
Characteristics
The Beefsteak Tomato is known for its large size and fleshy structure.
It is easily distinguished from other tomatoes due to its suitability for thick slicing and its satisfying texture.
Its average pH value is 4.35, with a water content of 93.5% and a fiber content of 0.55%.
These characteristics suggest that the beefsteak tomato has a strong structure for fresh consumption and provides a feeling of fullness.
Culinary Uses
Beefsteak tomatoes are essential for the mise en place of sandwiches and burgers.
Their large slices not only add visual volume but also maintain their integrity within the bread, offering a juicy yet non-soggy structure.
Beyond this, the beefsteak tomato can be grilled to add a unique flavor to many salads.
Furthermore, its large, meaty structure makes it an ideal tomato variety for carrying the filling in stuffed dishes and oven bakes.
4. Heirloom Tomato
Characteristics
Heirloom tomatoes are obtained from seeds that have been preserved for generations without hybridization.
Therefore, they can have different colors, shapes, and taste profiles among themselves.
With red, yellow, and green tones, heirloom tomatoes are a favorite in gourmet kitchens for their intense and complex flavors.
Culinary Uses
Heirloom tomatoes are particularly preferred in colorful salads and various dish presentations.
With their flavor profiles distinguishing them from classic tomatoes, they can also be used in salsa sauce and roasted or boiled potatoes.
Finally, I invite everyone looking to bring a different approach to their sandwiches to try heirloom tomatoes!
5. Plum Tomato (Paste/Roma Tomato)
Characteristics
The Plum Tomato is recognized by its oval shape and meaty structure.
Containing less water compared to other tomatoes, it stands out particularly in the production of sauces and pastes.
The Roma tomato is one of the best-known examples of the plum tomato.
Culinary Uses
The plum tomato is an essential ingredient for pan sauces, especially in Italian cuisine.
Besides being used in pizza and pasta sauces, it is prominent in the production of paste and preserves.
Due to their low-water and meaty structure, plum tomatoes are also suitable for sun-drying.
6. Grape Tomato
Characteristics
The Grape Tomato takes its name from its small, oval shape, resembling a grape.
Compared to the cherry tomato, it has a less watery and more concentrated flavor structure.
The pH value of the grape tomato ranges between 4.4 and 4.5.
Its durable structure allows it to maintain its freshness for a long time after harvest, making the grape tomato a commercially valuable variety.
Culinary Uses
Due to its small size and intense flavor, the grape tomato is particularly preferred in salads.
It can be consumed raw on breakfast tables and used as a garnish.
Final Thoughts
Although the tomato is a versatile food in the kitchen, each variety actually has its own specific use.
At this point, being able to choose the right tomato variety for the right dish is absolutely essential.
See you in the next articles! 🙂
Continue your gastronomy journey without slowing down with “Automation in Gastronomy“ and “How Much Is a Pinch?“!
Cafer Can Yeşilyurt
Helpful Resources
- Tomato Plant Culture: In the Field, Greenhouse, and Home Garden, Second Edition
- Tomatoes
- Tomato varieties grown in unheated greenhouses in Northern BC
- Tomato Acidity and the Safety of Home Canned Tomatoes, G. M. Sapers, J. G. Phillips, and A. Stoner
- Domates Çeşitleri: Özellikleri ve Kullanım Şekilleri
