Deciding on the type of tomato you choose to buy from the market or grocery store could sometimes be a difficult decision. In going through the produce section, many people did’nt know that there is a wide variety of tomatoes to choose from. Furthermore, each specific variety of tomato has a unique texture, taste, and color. In making this choice, people should first decide on how they will prepare the tomato to eaten. For example, will you use the tomato in the raw form and toss it in a salad; or, will it be combined with some eggs in a yummy Chinese stir-fry? Below is a list of the most common of tomatoes found in most supermarkets; along with a brief description of their appearance, taste, and ways many use to cook them. The tomatoes on this list are organized from smallest in diameter to the largest.
Cherry Tomato:
-appearance: These tomatoes are very small in size, about double the size of a regular cherry and are round shape. They are available in shades of red, yellow, or orange
-taste: mild to slightly tart
-preparation: serve unsliced, raw as a snack, alongside a choice of dips, or in a salad
Green Tomato:
-appearance: This tomato looks like a very small green pumpkin, its texture is hard and they come in a light green shades.
-taste: if eaten raw, very bitter and acidic; if eaten cooked, mild and lightly tart
-preparation: can be sliced, chopped, or crushed; it can complement many dishes after its boiled or roasted
Roman Tomato:
-appearance: These tomatoes have the width of diameter of a small kiwi fruit. Usually, Roman tomatoes are found in only shades of red.
-taste: tart to sweet
-preparation: great for salads, pasta sauces, or served with cheese
Campari Tomato:
-appearance: This is the typical tomato, either it is attached to a vine and sold in a bunch or three to four, or its seamless and sold individually. Its texture could be very firm if not overripe, elsewhere and it’s very soft and delicate. These tomatoes are usually found in shades of red, green if not ripened.
-taste: acidic to sweet
-preparation: very versatile; it could be deep fried, sliced and served with vegetables, gutted and filled with tuna or chicken salad, it goes well with most fish or meats, poaching them to be served in soups is also possible.