Pictures of Roma Tomatoes: A Photo Guide

With their distinctive oblong shape and meaty flesh, Roma tomatoes are a kitchen staple perfect for sauces, salsas, and more. Their thick walls and few seeds make them ideal for cooking down. But what exactly does a Roma tomato look like? Here is a photo guide to help identify and recognize this versatile tomato variety.

Typical Characteristics of Roma Tomatoes

Roma tomatoes can be easily recognized by their signature elongated, oval shape. Unlike round slicing tomatoes, Roma varieties tend to be more oblong and cylindrical. Here are some of their defining visual features:

• Elongated oval shape – Length often 2-3 times longer than width, with straight sides

• Firm and meaty – Thick walls with few seeds make them ideal for cooking

• Deep red color – Ripe Romas have a deep crimson red hue. Green when unripe.

• Ridged shoulders – Indented vertical ridges run from stem to blossom end.

• Pointed tips – The blossom end tapers to a blunt point.

• Size – Typically 3-6 ounces and 3-5 inches long when mature.

• Clusters – Grow well in clusters on vines.

Roma Tomato Pictures

Below are pictures of Roma tomatoes at various stages from unripe to fully ripe:

![Green unripe Roma tomatoes on vine][]

Unripe green Roma tomatoes growing on vine![Ripening Roma tomatoes changing color][]

Roma tomatoes ripening on vine, changing from green to red ![Red ripe Roma tomatoes sliced open][]

Sliced open red ripe Roma tomatoes![Bowl of red Roma tomatoes][]

Bowl filled with ripe red Roma tomatoes![Roma tomatoes on vine ripening][]

Close up of Roma tomatoes ripening on the vine

Roma Tomatoes at Different Stages of Ripeness

Roma tomatoes go through distinct color changes as they ripen:

• Green – Unripe Romas are green when young and immature.
• Green-orange – As they start ripening, Romas transition to a greenish-orange hue.
• Red-orange – The tomatoes turn red-orange as they near full ripeness.
• Deep red – Fully ripe Romas are a rich, deep crimson red.

So darker shades of red indicate a riper, sweeter Roma tomato ready for eating or cooking.

Tips for Picking Peak Ripe Roma Tomatoes

Follow these tips for harvesting Romas at optimal ripeness:

• Wait for full red color to develop.
• Choose firm, heavy tomatoes without bruises or soft spots.
• Look for smooth, shiny skin without wrinkles.
• Avoid tomatoes with green shoulders or stem end.
• Pick tomatoes with pronounced ridges and pointed ends.
• Leave vine-ripened tomatoes on bush until deep red.
• Harvest promptly once fully ripe.

With their unique elongated shape and meaty texture, Roma tomatoes are easy to identify in photos once you know what to look for. Use this visual guide to spot perfect peak-ripe Romas for all your cooking needs!