Get To Know Your Tomatoes!

Get to Know the Different Types of Tomatoes (and What They’re Used for)

Regardless of whether you say “to-MAY-to” or “to-MAH-to” or consider tomatoes a fruit or a vegetable, it’s no secret that nature’s delicious creations add some special flavors to nearly any dish.  While there are more than 45 different types of tomatoes grown around the world, there are around 10 standard varieties you might think about cultivating in your own backyard.  They are easy to grow, even in the smallest of spaces, and they are packed full of nutrition.

Here’s a brief rundown of several varieties you can grow yourself, and some suggestions on how to use them to add some color to your favorite foods:

• Beefsteak tomatoes: These tomatoes come in two standard varieties, red and green. Red beefsteak tomatoes are large and meaty, with a mild, balanced flavor.  Use them for salads, sauces, dips and as the finishing touch on a burger.  Green beefsteak tomatoes have a tart and tangy taste.  If you need to add some zest to sandwiches or salsas, it’s smart to give these green guys a try.
• Campari tomatoes: If you’re looking for garden-fresh taste, look no further than the Campari tomato. These sweet and juicy gems are also known as “tomatoes on the vine,” and they have firm, hearty centers that are full of juicy goodness.  Highly versatile, they’re a great addition to soups, sauces, jams and salads.  You can also throw them on the grill or into baked dishes, to add a hint of sweetness,
• Cherry tomatoes: These little tomatoes pack a mighty punch in terms of taste. They’re juicy and have a candy-like sweetness that makes them a great option for healthy snacking.  They also give some extra color and sweetness to salads and sauces.
• Grape tomatoes: Tinier than cherry tomatoes, these little guys have an oblong shape that gives them the appearance of grapes. Enjoy them on their own as a snack or add them to a salad for some sweet and tangy flavor.
• Heirloom tomatoes: With wide-ranging sizes and colors, heirloom tomatoes are a perfect way to liven up almost any dish. Their flavors vary just as much as their appearance.  Some are sweet and tangy, while others have a rich earthy taste.  Use them to punch up the flavor of salads and sandwiches or put them on the grill and enjoy them as a tasty snack on their own.
• Yellow tomatoes: Both heirloom and hybrid tomato varieties can produce yellow fruit. These tasty tomatoes are a beautiful addition to almost any dish, but they’re especially good for salsas, salads and other healthy treats that need an extra punch of color and unique flavor.
• Roma tomatoes: These dense, hearty, plum-shaped tomatoes are full of tangy flavor. They’re very versatile and are ideal for a variety of uses, including in sauces, on salads or as a delicious topping for your favorite sandwich. They’re also one of the easiest to grow in your own backyard!

Tomatoes are delicious, and they’re good for you, too!  Don’t be overwhelmed by the wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors and flavors; use it to your advantage to experiment with some of your favorite dishes.  Summer’s just around the corner – celebrate the season by indulging in some of nature’s bounty!  It’s even better when you can enjoy them fresh from your own garden.