7 Tomato Types and How to Use Them
7 Tomato Types and How to Use Them
What comes to mind when you think of a tomato? You probably think of a round red vegetable, but many variations of tomatoes have different flavor profiles. Not all tomatoes are good for marinara sauce or a burrata salad. If you want to make the best tomato salad or want to know what tomato is best for a burger, use this guide to help you choose the right tomato for any occasion!
1. Costoluto Genovese Heirloom Tomato
This tomato is an old Italian favorite. It has been around since the early 19th century and is known for its intense flavor and red color. This tomato is best for making red sauce, easily preserved, or you can eat it fresh! Throw them into our Stovetop Beef Baked Ziti
2. German Pink Tomato
These tomatoes originated in Bavaria and started the heirloom movement in America in 1883. These tomatoes have a sweet-tart flavor and are delicious fresh, but they also can be used in a stew! If you are feeling particularly culinarily-inspired, try these tomatoes in a Bigos Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew.
3. Brandywine Heirloom Tomato
The brandy wine tomato has been crowned the tastiest tomato. They are juicy, meaty, and flavorful while not being very acidic. They are perfect for throwing into a salad, sandwich, or plain eating! We are fond of these tomatoes in our Heirloom Tomato and Steak Salad with Peach Poppy Seed Dressing.
4. The Oxheart Heirloom Tomato
These tomatoes have a similar taste to the typical beefsteak tomato. It resembles a beef heart which explains the name. They are meaty, have few seeds, and are not acidic, making them great for a salad! They are fantastic on our Steak Bruschetta with Tomato and Mozzarella!
5. Striped German Tomato
These tomatoes are enormous; some weigh up to two pounds! They have a complex sweet flavor making them perfect for slicing up and enjoying with burrata or mozzarella. This tomato also tastes fantastic on a burger. We recommend trying them on our Whole30 Hawaiian Burgers.
6. Cherokee Purple
Unlike some of the other tomato varieties, the Cherokee Purple tomato is best enjoyed fresh. It has a vibrant flavor that is acidic and earthy. We recommend grilling these tomatoes and eating them as a side with steak or placing them on top of a burger. We love it on our Whole30 Jibarito.
7. Roma Tomato
This variety is perfect for making Italian-style tomato sauce and tomato paste. It has a balanced taste but leans a little towards tart. Romas have a low amount of juice and less seeds so they are delightful on our Ground Beef Ratatouille Gallete or Surf and Turf Crostinis.
Now the next time you go to the grocery store or farmers market, you have a better idea of what kind of tomato to buy! We recommend slicing up a fresh tomato and layering it on a burger made with our grass fed and finished beef.
