Tomatoes are a perfect addition to any dish. They are versatile and can be cooked, roasted, and grilled. There are numerous varieties of tomatoes that are available all over the world. From cherry-sized tomatoes to huge beefsteak tomatoes, all of the varieties have some of the uses. They are available in many colours like green, yellow, purple, deep crimson, orange, and chocolate.
Read on to know more about the 20 popular varieties of tomatoes found in the world:
1. Grape Tomatoes
Grape Tomatoes are crunchy and crispy and come in a lot of colors ranging from tangy to sweet. Since they have a thick skin, they hold their texture when they are cooked which makes them a great addition to roast in the oven, it adding them to pasta. The red colored grape tomatoes are sweet while the yellow grape is good for raw consumption.
2. Green Beefsteak Tomatoes
When we see a green colored tomato, we quickly assume that it is “unripe,” but they are another variant of tomatoes called Green Beefsteak. They have a tangy and tart flavour that can be paired with other flavors. These tomatoes are versatile and can be used to make juices, sandwiches, dips, salsa, and sauces. They can also be used to make pies and desserts.
3. Cocktail Tomatoes
The taste of cocktail tomatoes is fruit and sweet which makes them a go-to ingredient in any meal. Since they have a meaty texture and soft skin, they are perfect for making sauces. These tomatoes ripen on the vine, and the first tomato is called the king fruit, and the last tomato is called the tail fruit.
4. Heirloom Tomatoes
The origin of heirloom tomatoes goes way back. They are available in different colors, flavors, and sizes which makes them a perfect variety. They are great to use in sandwiches, salads, or as a roasted side dish.
5. Tomatoes on the Vine
As the name suggests, this variety of tomatoes are left on the vine until they soak the nutrients of the plants and are fully ripened. Since they are juicy and sweet, they are available in all tomato lover’s kitchen. They taste best when they are turned into a tomato soup. They are also used to add flavors to jams, salads, and sauces.
6. Red Beefsteak Tomatoes
Red Beefsteak Tomatoes are also known as the king of tomatoes. They are popularly known as the salsa tomato. They are meaty, large, and full of juice which enables them to be used as a base for fresh dips and sauces. Since they have a mild flavor, it makes them a perfect complement to a side dish.
7. Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry Tomatoes are a favorite amongst all tomato lovers and are the most versatile. They are available in a lot of colors like yellow, red, orange, and purple adding flavors and colors to any meal. Since they are tangy and sweet, they are grilled, roasted, sauced, and dried.
8. Roma Tomatoes
Roma Tomatoes are an Italian plum tomato that is full of flavors having a garden fresh tomato taste. They are cylindrical or oval shaped. They are perfect for making tomato paste, sauce, and stew. To get an intense flavor from these tomatoes, roast them in the oven and make a bruschetta topping or tomato pesto.
9. Campari Tomatoes
Campari Tomatoes are popular for their high sugar level, juiciness, and low acidity. They are deep red and are larger than cherry tomatoes, and rounder and smaller than a plum tomato.They are deep red colored because they are ripened on the wine which eliminates the need for pesticides.
10. Juliet
Juliet is oval and about two inches long. They are dense, glossy, and firm which are used to make salads, salsa, soups, and sauces.They are also known as a grape tomato, not because of their shape but for their high sugar content.
11. Betty Tomatoes
Betty Tomato is a dark, juicy, red tomato that has a size similar to beefsteak variety. These tomatoes have all the characteristics of an heirloom tomato.
12. Sun Gold Tomatoes
Sun Gold Tomatoes are sweet, tangerine orange cherry tomato which is added to any dish for a sugary treat. They have high sugar content which makes them irresistibly juicy and sweet. They are ideal for salads and snacks.
13. San Marzano Tomatoes
San Marzano tomato is another variety that is used to make sauces. They are shaped like a plum, and many chefs consider this variety as the best cooking tomato types and the best sauce in the world. These are named after San Marzano in Italy. They resist cracking and are excellent for puree and paste.
14. Yellow Pear Tomatoes
Yellow Pear Tomatoes are shaped like a pear and are one of the oldest variants of an heirloom variety. They are rich in vitamins and flavors. Since they are tangy, they add flavor and colour to salads.
15. Vintage Wine Tomatoes
Gourmet gardeners can swear by this variety of tomatoes. They are big, pink colored tomatoes having golden stripes with a sweet, tender, and mild flavour.
17. Black Cherry Tomatoes
Black Cherry Tomatoes are so delicious that once you try this variety, you won’t be able to stop. They are deep, round purple-black tomatoes that are a delicious treat having complex, rich, and sweet tomato flavors.
18. Caspian Pink Tomatoes
Caspian Pink Tomato was originated from Russia and was brought to America after the cold war. They have a rich, sweet flavor.
18. Italian Ice Tomatoes
Italian Ice Tomato is a small, cream-yellow tomato having a sweet flavor. Since they are incredibly sweet, their use should be minimized.
19. Green Zebra Tomatoes
The Green Zebra tomato is a gold ripening tomato having dark green stripes like zebra. They are used to add extra colour to sauces and salads.
