The Complete Guide to Tomatoes (and How to Use Them)

We’ll just come right out and say it. We love tomatoes! There’s no question that tomatoes are the perfect addition to just about any dish, but with about a thousand varieties of tomatoes - many of which are hybrids - how do you know which one to pick? Fear not, we’re here to help! 

All tomatoes are fruits of the plant Solanum lycopersicum, although they’re typically referred to and used as vegetables in cooking. They’re great for grilling, roasting, sauteing, or even on their own as a healthy snack. Tomatoes are low in calories, rich in nutrients and antioxidants like vitamin C, beta carotene and lycopene and pack a powerful burst of flavour.

To make things a little easier for you, we’ve put together this guide to the different types of tomatoes and their uses so you can find the perfect tomato for your next dish. 

RED BEEFSTEAK TOMATOES

Elvis, the king of rock and roll. Red Beefsteak tomatoes, the king of tomatoes. Red Beefsteak tomatoes are large, meaty and have lots of juice - making them ideal to use as a base for fresh sauces and dips. Their balanced, juicy, mild flavour makes them the perfect compliment to any dish, without being too overpowering. They’re perfect to slice up for sandwiches and hamburgers. 

Characteristics: Large, firm, meaty, rich vibrant colour

Flavour: Flavourful, mild, juicy, balanced, traditional tomato flavour

Best used for: Salsa, sauces, dips, burgers, grilling

GREEN BEEFSTEAK TOMATOES

Fried Green Tomatoes, yes a great movie, but also a delicious delicacy popular in the Southeastern U.S. When we see a green tomato, we automatically think “unripe” - but boy are we wrong! Green Beefsteaks have a unique flavour that is tart and tangy, and when paired right, can truly create something special. These tomatoes can be used as an interesting twist on juicing, fancy sandwiches, salsas, dips and cold (or hot) sauces.  They can even be used in desserts (trust us!) and make a great substitute in any recipe you’re using Granny Smith apples. Go on, try something different! 

Characteristics: Bright green colour, round and firm, large size, meaty structure

Flavour: Tart, versatile, crunchy, tangy

Best used for: Sandwiches, desserts, salsa, sauces, juicing, pickling, grilling

CHERRY TOMATOES

Red, orange, yellow, even purple varieties - cherry tomatoes are one of the most versatile tomatoes around. They’re a worldwide favourite! A cooking mainstay in most households, they add a burst of colour and flavour to any meal. Sweet, juicy, and tangy, cherry tomatoes can be cooked, grilled, sauced (oh, so good) and dried - and of course they’re the perfect bite-sized raw snack.

Characteristics: Small in size, tender, snappy medium skin

Flavour: Sweet, juicy, crisp bite

Best used for: Salads, sauces, grilling, skewers, snacking

CHERRY TRUSS (COCKTAIL) TOMATOES

Cherry Truss or also known as Cocktail tomatoes are sweet and fruity, making them a versatile tomato that goes great with any meal! Their soft-walled skin and meaty texture means they do well with heat, making them one of the best tomatoes for cooking hearty sauces, roasting in the oven (vine attached, of course) or grilling on the BBQ. As for us, you’ll find us using these to great the juiciest pasta sauce! 

Characteristics: Soft-walled skin, few seeds, meaty

Flavour: Sweet, fruity, juicy, traditional tomato flavour

Best used for: Sauces, roasting, salads, pasta 

ROMA TOMATOES

Mamma mia! Roma tomatoes are the quintessential Italian plum tomato. Larger than the cherry tomato, but not large enough to be used for slicing, the Roma tomato is ideal for making delicious sauces, stews, or tomato paste. Roma tomatoes are bursting with flavour and offer a tangy, garden-fresh tomato taste. You could try roasting your Roma in the oven to intensify its flavour, or chop them up raw for the perfect bruschetta topping. Naturally sweet and juicy, there are so many ways to use them - go on, get creative in the kitchen and make mamma proud!

Characteristics: Meaty, few seeds, granier flesh, firm

Flavour: Full flavour, tangy, garden fresh tomato taste, well balanced

Best used for: sandwiches, sauces, stews, salads

TOMATOES ON THE VINE

This one is a little erm, captain obvious. Tomatoes on the vine, as their name suggests, are tomatoes left on the vine to soak up the plant’s nutrients until they are fully ripened. A popular choice in any tomato lover’s kitchen, the sweet and juicy freshness of a ripe red vine tomato make them great for everyday use. These tomatoes can do just about anything, from making hearty tomato soup to a refreshing pop of flavour in sauces, jams and salads - you’ll be spoilt for choice! Dice them, roast them or eat them raw. 

Characteristics: Firm, hearty, thick skin, hold their moisture

Flavour: Garden fresh tomato taste, sweet, juicy

Best used for: Sauces, soups, jams, salads, baking, grilling, raw

BLACK TOMATOES

Black is the new well, black. And Black tomatoes are the latest craze in tomato-land. Among the more “exotic: type of tomato, black tomatoes sport a deep purple colour and range from plum-sized to beefsteak size. Black tomatoes are not as sweet as regular “red” tomatoes, but they have a more savoury, rich salty flavour that makes them truly unique. Their soft skin and juicy interior, makes the perfect raw companion for a tomato (or caprese) salad, or can be roasted to preserve their nuanced flavour.

Characteristics: Deep-purple colour, round and firm, range in sizes

Flavour: Rich, salty, savoury, juicy

Best used for: Salads, roasting, grilling, raw