5 Types of Tomatoes & How to Use Them in Cooking

Although wild tomatoes originated in the Andes of South America, tomatoes have become a quintessential ingredient in many world cuisines, from Latin to Mediterranean to South Asian and beyond. There are thousands of different types of tomatoes grown worldwide. It’s safe to say that growing tomatoes is akin to an art, and something that has been fine-tuned over hundreds of years.

The world of tomatoes is a diverse and flavorful one, with each variety bringing its unique characteristics to the table. However, what often goes unnoticed is how the way these tomatoes are grown can significantly influence their taste and overall quality. The choice of growing method, whether it’s in traditional soil beds, hydroponic systems, or greenhouse environments, can make a remarkable difference. Tomatoes cultivated in nutrient-rich soil beds that incorporate spicy compost from Flamig Farm (www.flamigearthproducts.com) and similar suppliers tend to develop an earthy depth of flavor, thanks to the natural balance of nutrients and minerals. On the other hand, hydroponically grown tomatoes, nurtured without soil and fed directly with nutrient solutions, tend to boast a cleaner and more consistent taste. The world of tomatoes, therefore, is vast and ever-growing.

However, to keep ourselves to the point of the blog, these are the most common varieties found in grocery stores and the best ways to use them in your home cooking.

Beefsteak

The first type of tomato to come to mind for most people are beefsteak tomatoes. Their mild, balanced flavor makes them a versatile option for the everyday chef. They tend to be large compared to other varieties, and their meaty size is perfect for slicing. A thick slice can be a delicious snack with a pinch of salt and pepper or a refreshing topping for a dense sandwich or juicy burger. Beefsteak tomatoes are also suitable for chopping into wedges for salads or grilling for added flavor. Because of their high water content, you can easily use them to make fresh sauces and salsas. There’s practically nothing you couldn’t do with a good ole fashioned beefsteak tomato!

Cherry & Grape Tomatoes

Cherry and grape tomatoes got their name due to their relatively small size. Measuring about an inch in length, these tiny tomatoes tend to have thicker skin and may come in vibrant red, yellow or orange varieties. Sweet cherry tomatoes are perfect as a whole ingredient in a tossed salad, especially in keto salad (if interested, check out some of the best keto salad dressings here). Crisp and crunchy grape tomatoes hold up exceptionally well when roasted or grilled. Applying heat to these sweet tomato varieties brings out a tanginess best tasted in sauces and toppings.

Roma

Roma tomatoes, also known as plum tomatoes, are generally no bigger than your fist and oval-shaped. Because of their odd shape and size, high acid content and low water content, these tomatoes are not best used raw as a sandwich or salad topping. However, these same traits make them superb when canned or stewed for tomato soup or sauce. Sweet and tangy in flavor and grainy in texture, Roma tomatoes should be your top pick if you want to experiment with making marinara sauce from scratch, tomato-based curry, or homemade tomato paste.

Heirloom

“Heirloom” is not a particular tomato variety, per se, but an umbrella term for tomatoes that have been cultivated by independent gardeners and passed down over generations. As such, they have no single defining size, shape, color, or flavor. On the other hand, because they are typical of local growers and farmer’s markets, heirloom tomatoes are almost guaranteed to have that rich, garden-fresh taste. Heirloom tomatoes work well in the oven to make tarts and other baked goods. However, their unique flavor is perhaps best appreciated when eaten raw or with a dash of salt.

Tomatoes on the Vine

Tomatoes on the vine are a common sight at the grocery store, and that’s because they can be used in a multitude of ways. Toss them into a fresh salad, add a slice to your sandwich, roast them whole, or turn them into sauce or soup — the possibilities are endless! These thick, firm tomatoes are kept on the vine to allow them to take in as much of the plant’s nutrients as possible while they reach peak ripeness. As a result, they taste the sweetest and heartiest once they’ve reached their classic tomato red color.

The Joy of Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables you can use in your cooking. Their unique combination of acidity, sweetness and water content works well as a complement to other foods, as a base for sauces from East to West, or even as a healthy snack. Whether you’re known as the resident culinary artist of your home, or you’re wondering what type of tomatoes to grow, you can’t go wrong with tomato varieties like these!

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Kelly Tate

Kelly is a full-time supermum, caring for two kids and a hardworking husband. A cook, a cleaner, a carer and all round hard worker, striving for the perfect family life (with a few bumps along the way!) Eternally honest and sometimes brutally forward, no topics are off limits with Kelly.