10 Types Of Tomatoes And How To Use Them
Tomato is a food widely used in the kitchen as a basic ingredient in sauces, salads and cold soups. However, a curious fact that many people do not know is that there are different types of tomatoes, which is useful to identify in which recipes it is convenient to use them.
Although it is identified as a vegetable, it is a fruit that comes from a herbaceous plant of the Solanaceae family, whose botanical name is Solanum lycopersicum esculentum . Learn about the different varieties and types of tomatoes that exist in this article.
Origin and characteristics of the tomato
This fruit is native to the western coastal plain of South America, however, it is considered that Mexico was the center of its domestication. Thus, today the commercial tomato has undergone important genetic changes, so that in addition to the classic reds there are others with yellow, orange and even purple tones.
Added to this diversity in shapes and colors, vast scientific evidence affirms that it is considered a functional food due to the beneficial properties on health that are attributed to it. Its protective effect is given by a bioactive component called lycopene. But it also contains other substances:
- Vitamin C.
- Vitamin E.
- Beta carotene
- Phenolic compounds.
- Flavonoids.
- Folates
- Dietary fiber.
Most important types of tomatoes
Although there are different varieties and types of tomatoes, this time we will tell you 10 of them. But you should know that, with genetic modifications, there can be different sizes, colors and flavors.
1. Cherry tomato
This variety is a genetic mix between the Solanum pimpinellifolium tomato and the domesticated garden tomato. Its origin dates back to Aztec Mexico, in the 15th century of our era.
It is similar in size to a cherry, has a diameter of between 1 and 3 centimeters, and can be pear-shaped, round or elongated. At the same time, it has a taste between sweet and acid and is very aromatic. Until today it is one of the most popular for decoration of dishes. The most common cherry tomatoes are the red ones, but they can also be yellow, green, or black.
2. Grape tomatoes
This variety of tomatoes is about half the size of cherry tomatoes, with an elongated shape and practically no water. Like the previous ones, they are excellent to add to salads or to eat as sandwiches, although they can also be cooked.
These tomatoes also come in a variety of colors ranging from red to yellow or orange. On the other hand, its flavor can be sweet or spicy.
3. Roma tomatoes
Roma tomatoes, also called plum tomatoes , are larger than cherry tomatoes . They have an average of 60 grams. They are sweet and juicy, making them an ideal choice for canning or making sauces, although they are also popular in salads.
4. Black tomato or kumato
The kumato or black tomato is a variety that has a striking dark green color that is often identified as black. It stands out for its crisp and firm texture, even if it is immature, since its ripening process begins from the inside.
It has an intense sweet flavor, which makes it a special ingredient for salads. It has a remarkable content in lycopenes compared to other varieties, although they are present in a higher concentration in the skin of the fruit.
5. Heirloom tomatoes
Heirloom tomatoes vary in size and color. They can have shades ranging from yellow, bright green, and even purplish-red. Their shapes can be round, elongated or flattened.
These are prized for their flavor, which is why they are used for sauces, canned and eaten alone or in salads.
6. Vine tomatoes
Vine tomatoes are a variety that is marketed still attached to the vine in which they grow, since in this way its useful life is prolonged.
According to several investigations, these types of tomatoes contain higher levels of antioxidants and other nutrients than those that are harvested before maximum maturity. They are generally large in size that allows them to be used for sandwiches, but also for preserves and sauces.
7. Green tomatoes
Green tomatoes can be divided into two: heirloom (green when ripe) and red. They are firm and easy to cut.
In some regions unripe green tomatoes are used for cooking. For example, to make them battered with cornmeal and then fried. This type is also used for canning and making sauces.
They have a spicy and slightly acid taste, so they impart a unique flavor and color. A common use they have is to make condiments for sandwiches and meats.
One point to note is that unripe green tomatoes have higher amounts of alkaloids than ripe ones, which makes them more difficult to digest. For this reason, in some people they can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, as stated in the study “Detoxification and function of immature tomato”.
8. Tomato steak
This type of tomato has a large number of hybrids, so it can be slightly flattened, practically flat or round. They have sufficient firmness and strength, so they do not crack. They are adapted to growing in the greenhouse and outdoors.
They are red, although there are some yellow fruits. They are perfect for cutting into sandwiches and hamburgers.
9. Pepper tomato
They are also called Andes tomatoes. These fruits are shaped like an elongated pepper and hence their name. This type is compact and fleshy, so it is usual to eat them fresh or to make homemade preserves.
10. Cocktail tomato
This type of tomato has small fruits that weigh between 30 and 50 grams and are similar to the cherry type. They can be round, pear, oval, or bulb-shaped and are red, green, yellow, and orange in color.
They are used in the industry to make concentrated or pureed tomatoes. They are also attractive as a decorative ingredient in various dishes.
Best uses for each type of tomato
Because there are so many different types, it can be difficult to choose which one will best suit your culinary needs. In general, you can use them as follows:
- Skewers: cherry.
- Sandwiches: vine tomatoes and steak.
- Fried: green tomatoes.
- Appetizers: grape, cherry, heirloom.
- Sauces : Roma, relic, en rama.
- Preserves: vine tomatoes, greens, Roma, heirloom.
- Salads: grape, cherry.
There are different types of tomatoes
As you will see, there are different types of tomatoes. Despite their various shapes and colors, they are all healthy foods. They are low in calories and provide several nutrients and antioxidants, such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and lycopene.
Therefore, including tomatoes in the diet is an excellent option to preserve health. Do not forget that you can eat them in salads, soups, sauces, preserves or whatever you like.
