Tomatoes are a culinary powerhouse, adding vibrant color and flavor to dishes from around the world. In this guide, we’ll explore different types of tomatoes, share some of our favorite recipes, explain key terms, and answer common questions. Whether you’re a tomato enthusiast or just looking to elevate your cooking, this guide is for you!
Types of Tomatoes
Tomatoes come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, each suited to specific culinary uses:
- Beefsteak: These are large, often slightly flattened, meaty tomatoes with a rich, classic tomato flavor. They’re perfect for slicing and using in sandwiches or burgers due to their substantial size and juicy texture.
- Slicer/Globe: Medium to large, smooth, and round, these tomatoes are versatile and one of the most common varieties found in grocery stores. They’re ideal for slicing onto sandwiches, salads, and for use in canning.
- Cocktail (aka Campari): Known for their vibrant red color and balanced flavor, these tomatoes are medium-sized and juicy, making them perfect for snacking and adding to salads.
- Plum/Roma (aka Paste): These are medium, oval tomatoes with thick flesh and fewer seeds, making them ideal for sauces, pastes, and canning.
- Cherry: Small and round with a burst of sweetness, cherry tomatoes are perfect for snacking, salads, and garnishing dishes. They’re often favored for their convenient size and robust flavor.
- Grape: Slightly smaller and more oblong than cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes are firm and less juicy, making them perfect for snacking, salads, and roasting.
- Green: These tomatoes can either be unripe or a specific variety that remains green when fully ripe (typically heirlooms). Unripe green tomatoes are firm and tart, often used in fried green tomato recipes.
Save the below infographics as a quick cheat sheet to reference whenever you need it!
Tomato Growing Tips
If you’re considering growing your own tomatoes, here are some basic tips to get started:
- When to Plant: Tomatoes love warmth and should be planted in late spring or early summer when nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Choose a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of sun per day.
- Choosing the Right Variety: Consider what you want to use your tomatoes for when selecting a variety. If you’re making sauces, plum or Roma tomatoes are a great choice. For salads, opt for cherry or grape tomatoes. Beefsteak or slicer tomatoes are versatile for general use.
- How to Plant: Depending on the variety and growth habits of your tomato plants, it is recommended to space them about 2-3 feet apart from one another. Most tomato plants require a stake, cage, or trellis to support them as they grow and to keep them off the ground.
- Companion Plants: Try planting tomatoes alongside marigolds, garlic, onions, basil, chives, parsley, or peppers for the best effect.
- When to Harvest: Tomatoes are typically ready for harvest 60-100 days after planting, depending on the variety. Look for a deep, even color and a slight give to determine ripeness. Note: Tomatoes will continue to ripen after being picked, so you can harvest them when they’re about two-thirds ripe.
Featured Tomato Recipes
Each recipe below highlights a different type of tomato, showcasing their versatility in the kitchen:
1. Homemade Ketchup
Transforming fresh cherry tomatoes into a tangy and rich homemade ketchup is easier than you might think. This recipe guides you through the process of simmering the tomatoes with spices until they break down into a sauce, then blending and straining for a smooth consistency. The result is a flavorful condiment that’s perfect for pairing with French fries and a burger on Martin’s Sandwich Potato Rolls.
Featuring: Cherry Tomatoes
Instructions: Start by cooking the cherry tomatoes with onions, garlic, and spices until they soften. Blend the mixture, strain out the skins and seeds, and return to the pot to simmer until thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste, and let cool before serving.
Link to Full Recipe: Homemade Ketchup
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2. Classic Tomato Sandwich
This classic sandwich is the epitome of simplicity, allowing the juicy flavor of ripe slicer tomatoes to shine. Paired with a tangy whipped feta spread on Martin’s Butter Bread, this sandwich is both refreshing and satisfying. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, it’s a celebration of summer’s best produce.
Featuring: Slicer Tomatoes
Instructions: Spread the whipped feta mixture (made with feta, chives, dill, and pepper) on toasted slices of Martin’s Butter Bread. Add thick slices of ripe tomato, sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper, and top with fresh basil for an extra layer of flavor.
Link to Full Recipe: Classic Tomato Sandwich
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3. Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Tomatoes
Roasted grape tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness to this creamy whipped feta dip. Served with toasted triangles of Martin’s Hoagie Rolls, this dish is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The warm, juicy tomatoes complement the cool, tangy feta, creating a balanced and flavorful appetizer.
Featuring: Grape Tomatoes
Instructions: Roast the grape tomatoes in olive oil until they blister and soften. Meanwhile, whip feta cheese, cream cheese, and additional ingredients until smooth. Spread the whipped feta onto a platter, top with the roasted tomatoes, and serve with toasted Hoagie Roll slices.
Link to Full Recipe: Whipped Feta Dip with Roasted Tomatoes
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4. BLT Sliders
These BLT sliders are a mini version of the classic sandwich, perfect for parties or casual get-togethers. The plum tomatoes add a juicy and slightly tangy element that pairs perfectly with crispy bacon and fresh lettuce, all nestled in soft Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls.
Featuring: Plum Tomatoes
Instructions: Cook bacon until crispy, and prepare a simple peppered mayonnaise. Slice the plum tomatoes and layer them on the rolls with lettuce and bacon. Top with the mayonnaise and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Link to Full Recipe: BLT Sliders
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5. Italian Panzanella Salad
Panzanella is a traditional Italian salad that celebrates the flavors of ripe tomatoes and day-old bread. In this version, a mix of heirloom and cherry tomatoes is combined with stale Martin’s Hoagie Rolls, cucumbers, and bell peppers, all tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette. The result is a fresh and hearty salad that’s perfect for a summer meal.
Featuring: Heirloom & Cherry Tomatoes
Instructions: Cube the stale hoagie rolls and toast them lightly. Toss the bread with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions. Drizzle with vinaigrette and let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Link to Full Recipe: Italian Panzanella Salad
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6. Caprese Flatbread
This recipe takes the classic Caprese salad and transforms it into a delightful flatbread. Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil come together on a sheet of toasted Martin’s Dinner Potato Rolls, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze for a sweet and flavorful finish.
Featuring: Cherry Tomatoes
Instructions: Slice and toast the rolls, then spread a thin layer of quick and easy tomato sauce. Top with fresh mozzarella slices and halved cherry tomatoes. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
Link to Full Recipe: Caprese Flatbread
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7. Heirloom Tomato Tart
Heirloom tomatoes steal the show in this savory tart, which pairs their rich flavor with creamy ricotta and fresh herbs. The crust is made from Martin’s Slider Potato Rolls, creating a unique and delicious base for this elegant dish. Perfect for brunch or a light dinner, this tart is as beautiful as it is tasty.
Featuring: Heirloom Tomatoes
Instructions: Line a tart pan with flattened potato rolls, spread a layer of seasoned ricotta, and arrange sliced heirloom tomatoes on top. Bake until the crust is golden and the tomatoes are slightly caramelized. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Link to Full Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Tart
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8. Balsamic Bruschetta
A staple in Italian cuisine, this balsamic bruschetta is a simple yet flavorful appetizer. Roma tomatoes are diced and mixed with basil, garlic, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, then spooned onto toasted slices of Martin’s Potato Bread. The result is a refreshing bite that’s perfect for entertaining.
Featuring: Roma Tomatoes
Instructions: Dice the Roma tomatoes and mix with chopped basil, minced garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Toast slices of potato bread and top with the tomato mixture. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Link to Full Recipe: Balsamic Bruschetta
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9. Fried Green Tomato Sliders
Crispy fried green tomatoes are the star of these unique sliders, paired with tangy Cajun sauce and fresh slaw. The green tomatoes offer a firm texture and slightly tart flavor, creating a delicious contrast with the rich and creamy toppings. Served on Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls, these sliders are a Southern-inspired treat that’s sure to impress.
Featuring: Green Tomatoes
Instructions: Slice the green tomatoes and coat them in a mixture of flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Fry until golden brown and crispy. Assemble the sliders by spreading Cajun sauce on the rolls, adding the fried green tomatoes, and topping with slaw and bacon. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Link to Full Recipe: Fried Green Tomato Sliders
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10. Tomato Soup
This homemade tomato soup is comfort in a bowl, featuring fresh Roma tomatoes that are roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. Paired with grilled cheese croutons made from Martin’s Potato Bread, this dish is perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner. The roasted tomatoes add depth of flavor, making this soup far superior to any canned version.
Featuring: Roma Tomatoes
Instructions: Roast the Roma tomatoes with onions and garlic until caramelized. Blend the mixture until smooth, then simmer with vegetable broth until thickened. Serve the soup with grilled cheese croutons for a comforting and nostalgic meal.
Link to Full Recipe: Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
Tomato Pairings and Uses
Tomatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of ingredients, making them a staple in many cuisines:
- Herbs: Basil (e.g., Caprese salad), cilantro (e.g., Mexican dishes), oregano (e.g., Italian, Mediterranean cuisine), parsley, dill, chives.
- Spices: Black pepper, paprika, garlic.
- Other Vegetables: Tomatoes complement other garden-fresh vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
- Cheeses: Fresh mozzarella, feta, goat cheese, and Parmesan all pair beautifully with tomatoes, enhancing their natural sweetness and acidity.
- Oils and Vinegars: Olive oil and balsamic vinegar are classic pairings, especially in salads and Caprese dishes.
- Dishes: Tomatoes can be used in salads, sandwiches, salsas, sauces, soups, and more. They’re also perfect for roasting, grilling, or serving fresh.
Tomato Preservation Methods
If you find yourself with an abundance of tomatoes (aka “bumper crop”), there are several ways to preserve them for later use:
- Canning: Preserve tomatoes by canning them whole, diced, or as sauces. This is a great way to enjoy summer flavors in the winter months.
- Freezing: Tomatoes can be frozen whole, chopped, or as a puree. Freezing is a quick and easy method, though it may slightly alter the texture.
- Drying: Sun-dry or oven-dry tomatoes for concentrated flavor. Alternately, you can also use a dehydrator or air fryer. Dehydrated tomatoes can be stored by themselves or packed in olive oil for long periods and are great in salads, pastas, and as a snack.
- Making Sauces or Paste: Cook down tomatoes into sauces or paste, then freeze or can for future use.
For more detailed preservation techniques, check out our Late Summer Veggie Recipes blog post.
FAQs
- When should I plant tomatoes?
- Plant tomatoes in late spring or early summer when temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Tomatoes thrive in warm weather, so it’s essential to wait until the danger of frost has passed.
- How do I know when a tomato is ripe?
- Ripe tomatoes will have a deep, even color and a slight give when gently squeezed. However, not all tomatoes are red when ripe—some heirlooms turn yellow, orange, purple, or even green. The best indicator is their feel; they should be slightly soft but not mushy.
- Can I eat green tomatoes?
- Yes, unripe green tomatoes are safe to eat and are commonly used in dishes like fried green tomatoes. However, they should be consumed in moderation as they contain a compound called solanine, which can be toxic in large quantities.
Glossary of Terms
A handy guide to tomato-related terms to help you navigate the world of tomatoes with ease.
- Bumper Crop: Refers to an unusually large harvest, often resulting in a surplus of produce that requires preservation methods like canning, drying, or freezing.
- Determinate (bush): A type of tomato plant that grows to a certain height, stops, and produces its fruit all at once. This is often preferred for container gardening or for gardeners who wish to can their tomatoes.
- Heirloom: Refers to tomato varieties whose seeds have been passed down at least 50 years through several generations. They are often prized for their rich, diverse flavors and unique shapes. Heirlooms are typically open-pollinated.
- Hybrid: A tomato variety that has been intentionally cross-pollinated between different strains to produce desired traits such as disease resistance, higher yield, or earlier maturity.
- Indeterminate (vining): A tomato plant that continues to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season, requiring more space and support but offering a steady harvest over time.
- Vine-Ripened: Tomatoes that are allowed to ripen fully on the vine before being picked, resulting in a richer flavor and higher sugar content compared to tomatoes picked green and ripened off the vine.
We hope this guide has expanded your knowledge and love for tomatoes. Whether you’re growing them in your garden or cooking up a delicious meal, tomatoes are a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can elevate any dish. If you find yourself with a bumper crop, remember there are plenty of ways to preserve and enjoy tomatoes all year long!
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