It's Officially a Tomato Girl Summer—Here Are the 10 Types You Need to Know
2023 is officially tomato girl summer. Defined by caprese salads, red gingham clothing, and plenty of olive oil, the social media trend has arrived just in time for peak tomato season. Running between early August and mid-September, the tomato harvest is the time to seek out perfectly ripe produce at farmers markets, break out your favorite tomato recipes, and light your favorite basil candle. Tomatoes are also one of the best beginner-friendly vegetables to incorporate in your vegetable garden—and there's still time to plant some, depending on your plant hardiness zone. But what are the best types of tomatoes?
The short answer is, it depends. Whether you're crafting a full English breakfast, making a Bloody Mary, or perfecting your grandmother's pasta sauce recipe, there's an ideal tomato for the job. Any one of them on its own with a bit of sea salt and olive oil makes a tantalizing afternoon snack. But despite sharing a common family name, there are countless varieties of tomatoes to choose from, and each has its own subtly different flavor, texture, and ideal use. (If you're making fried green tomatoes, however, all types of tomatoes—even red and yellow ones—can actually work in your recipe as long as they're underripe.)
Globe tomatoes are by far the most common variety in American grocery stores, but there are many more types. You may know cherry, Roma, and plum tomatoes from the produce section too, but what about rarer (and equally delicious) varieties like Green Zebra and Campari? Ahead, we highlight 10 of the most popular and most common types of tomatoes, their flavor profile, and the best ways to eat and cook with them.
Cherry
Cherry tomatoes are arguably both the most popular and the most versatile type of tomato. Cherries can be cooked, grilled, diced, and sautéed, and they have a sweet yet tangy flavor. They even taste great raw.
Roma
These are the quintessential Italian tomato. Full of garden-fresh flavor, these tomatoes are great for stews, sauces, and pastes. Roast them in the oven for a more intense flavor.
Heirloom
Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, heirloom tomatoes are the perfect addition to sandwiches, salads, and side dishes. Best eaten raw or grilled, heirloom tomatoes are known for their beautiful coloring and vibrant flavor.
Tigerella
Known for their signature tiger-like stripes, Tigerella tomatoes have a very nice balance of sweetness and acidity. This variety can also be green year-round when it's grown in some climates (or indoors).
Grape
Grape tomatoes are crisp and crunchy, just like the fruit they're named after. Thanks to their thicker skin, these tomatoes hold their texture when cooked, making them great for roasting and sautéing but not so good for sauces and purees.
San Marzano
Star of season one of FX's The Bear, San Marzano tomatoes are actually a type of plum tomatoes known for their thick skin and sweet flavor. Because of their low acidity, this variety is ideal for sweet marina sauces.
Cherokee Purple
Named for their rich purple hue, Cherokee Purple tomatoes are large and ideal for slicing for sandwiches and side dishes.
Green Zebra
Tasty Green Zebra tomatoes are perfect for snacking, salads, or making salsa verde. The younger they are, the more tart the flavor.
Campari
Known for their high sweetness and low acidity, Campari tomatoes are often sold as "tomatoes on the vine." These tomatoes can be used interchangeably with cherry tomatoes, but they're larger and deeper in color.
Big Beef
The king of tomatoes, Big Beefs are ideal for salsas and dips due to their extra-juicy nature. These mild tomatoes also taste great on sandwiches and burgers.
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