Roma tomatoes and plum tomatoes – two names you’ve probably heard used interchangeably when talking about those oblong red tomatoes. But are they actually the same thing? As a tomato lover and amateur gardener, I was curious to find out.
After doing some research, it turns out that while Roma tomatoes are a type of plum tomato, not all plum tomatoes are Romas. Confusing, right? Let me break it down for you.
What are Plum Tomatoes?
Plum tomatoes get their name from their shape, which is longer and more oval than your typical round tomato In botanical terms, plum tomatoes are classified as Solanum lycopersicum var pyriforme, meaning they are a variety of the tomato species with a pear-like shape.
Some key things to know about plum tomatoes:
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They tend to be on the smaller side, averaging 2-5 ounces.
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The flesh is firmer and meatier than regular tomatoes
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There are less seeds and gel inside.
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They have a richer, sweeter flavor that is less acidic.
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Common uses are for sauces, canning, and drying.
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In addition to Roma, other popular plum tomato varieties include Amish Paste, San Marzano, Speckled Roman, and Opalka.
So plum tomatoes are characterized by their shape and meaty flesh rather than a specific taste or color. There are actually many different cultivars of plum tomatoes, each with their own unique characteristics.
What are Roma Tomatoes?
Roma tomatoes are probably the most famous type of plum tomato. They are also known as Italian plum tomatoes or Roman tomatoes.
Like other plum tomatoes, Romas are oval-shaped with firm, dense flesh and have fewer seeds. They tend to weigh about 2-3 ounces. Romas are one of the most widely available plum tomatoes, found everywhere from supermarkets to farmers markets.
Some key features of Roma tomatoes:
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Medium-sized, usually between 2 and 5 inches long.
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Bright red color.
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Very meaty with few seeds.
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Low moisture content.
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Mild, sweet taste.
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Excellent for cooking, canning, and paste.
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Produces high yields.
Roma tomatoes were bred to be used for canning and cooking rather than eating raw. Their firm flesh holds up well when cooked and processed. The oval shape also allowed more tomatoes to fit into shipping crates!
How Are Plum Tomatoes and Roma Tomatoes Different?
While Roma tomatoes fall under the plum tomato umbrella, not all plum tomatoes are Romas. As we’ve discussed, plum tomatoes encompass many heirloom and modern varieties that share common physical characteristics.
Here are some key differences between plum tomatoes in general and Roma tomatoes:
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Shape: Plum tomatoes can be pear-shaped or elliptical. Romas are uniformly oval.
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Size: Plum tomatoes range from 2-5 ounces usually. Romas are on the smaller side, averaging 2-3 ounces.
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Color: Plum tomatoes can be green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, black, striped, or red when ripe. Roma tomatoes are distinctly bright red.
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Uses: Plum tomatoes are great for cooking, canning, sauce-making and drying. Romas are considered the best plum variety for canning and sauce production.
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Flavor: Plum tomatoes come in sweet, tangy, and bold-flavored varieties. Romas have a mild, sweet flavor.
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All Roma tomatoes are plum tomatoes.
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Not all plum tomatoes are Roma tomatoes.
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Roma tomatoes are a specific, widely available variety of plum tomato.
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Plum tomatoes encompass many varieties of different shapes, sizes, colors and flavors.
Understanding the Difference Between Plum Tomatoes and Roma Tomatoes
When it comes to tomatoes, there are many different varieties to choose from. Two popular types that you may come across are plum tomatoes and Roma tomatoes. At first glance, they may look the same, but there are some important differences between them that can change how they taste and how you should use them in cooking.
Plum tomatoes, also known as paste tomatoes, are known for their oval or cylindrical shape. They are often used to make tomato paste, sauces, and canned tomatoes. Because plum tomatoes have less seeds and denser flesh, they are great for making a thick, rich sauce. They are also known for their sweet and tangy flavor, which adds depth to dishes.
- Used for making tomato paste and sauces
- Fewer seeds and denser flesh
- Ideal for cooking down into a thick sauce
- Sweet and tangy flavor
Roma tomatoes, also called Italian plum tomatoes, are a type of plum tomato. They are known for their elongated shape and fewer seeds. Roma tomatoes are often used in salads, salsas, and for canning. They are firm on the outside and a little less juicy on the inside, which makes them perfect for dishes that don’t need too much water.
- Elongated shape and fewer seeds
- Used in salads, salsas, and for canning
- Firm texture and less juicy interior
- Ideal for dishes where you want to avoid excess moisture
Even though both plum tomatoes and Roma tomatoes are paste tomatoes, there are some clear differences between the two. Plum tomatoes are generally juicier and have a sweeter flavor, making them perfect for sauces and pastes. Roma tomatoes, on the other hand, are less juicy and have a firmer texture, which makes them great for dishes that need to stay thick.
It’s important to consider these differences when choosing which type of tomato to use in your recipes. Knowing the differences between plum tomatoes and Roma tomatoes can help you make dishes that taste and feel just right, whether you’re making marinara sauce, salsa, or tomatoes to store for later use.
Even though plum tomatoes and Roma tomatoes are both used to make sauces and pastes, they are also different in ways that make them truly unique. Whether you like plum tomatoes for their juicy sweetness or Roma tomatoes for their firm texture, each has its own special qualities that can make your recipes better.
When you go to the store or farmer’s market next time, pay attention to how these two types of tomatoes are different and think about how their unique qualities can make your cooking better. Experiment with both varieties to discover which one best suits your culinary needs and taste preferences.
If you know the difference between plum tomatoes and Roma tomatoes, you can use them in a lot of different ways in your cooking. You can also purchase the right tomatoes for your next tasty dish with confidence. What’s your take on the difference between plum tomatoes and Roma tomatoes? Join the discussion in the.
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FAQ
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