Plum Tomatoes

Plum tomatoes are oval-shaped, meaty tomatoes with less water content than other types. They are perfect for making sauces, pastes, and canning because their thick flesh breaks down beautifully when cooked. Whether you grow them in your garden or buy them at the store, plum tomatoes are a kitchen staple that every home cook should know about.

Key Takeaways

• Plum tomatoes are oval, meaty tomatoes with thick flesh and fewer seeds than round varieties
• Popular varieties include Roma, San Marzano, and Amish Paste, each with unique flavor profiles
• They are ideal for cooking, canning, making tomato sauce, and long-term preservation
• Growing plum tomatoes is easy and rewarding for home gardeners of all skill levels
• Proper storage at room temperature keeps ripe plum tomatoes fresh for about a week
• Plum tomatoes differ from round, cherry, and beefsteak tomatoes in shape, texture, and water content
• Cooking plum tomatoes increases the bioavailability of lycopene and other beneficial nutrients

What Are Plum Tomatoes?

Plum tomatoes are a type of tomato known for their oval or egg-like shape. They have thick flesh, fewer seeds, and less juice compared to round tomatoes. This makes them a favorite for cooking and preserving among home cooks and professional chefs alike.

If you have ever walked through a farmers market or grocery store and seen oblong tomatoes sitting in a pile, those were likely plum tomatoes. They go by many names, including Roma tomatoes and paste tomatoes. The term “plum tomato” simply describes their shape and meaty texture.

These tomatoes are built for cooking. Their low water content and dense flesh mean they cook down quickly into rich sauces and pastes. If you have ever struggled with watery tomato sauce, switching to plum tomatoes can be a real game changer in your kitchen.

Plum tomatoes are also great for fresh eating, though most people prefer them cooked. Their flavor is concentrated and slightly sweet. This makes them a versatile ingredient in many different dishes, from simple weeknight dinners to elaborate holiday recipes.

Why Are They Called Plum Tomatoes?

The name comes from their shape. Plum tomatoes look like small plums or eggs. They are not round like a beefsteak tomato or cherry tomato. Instead, they have a streamlined, elongated form that is easy to handle and slice.

The word “plum” also hints at their dense, meaty texture. Just like a fresh plum fruit, these tomatoes have a lot of flesh and not much liquid. This is why they are often called paste tomatoes too. Their compact size and thick walls make them perfect for cooking down into concentrated sauces.

Popular Plum Tomato Varieties

There are many types of plum tomatoes to choose from. Each variety has its own flavor, size, and best use. Here are some of the most popular ones you will find at garden centers and farmers markets.

Roma Tomatoes

Roma tomatoes are the most common plum tomato variety. They are medium-sized, bright red, and have a classic oval shape. You can find Roma tomatoes in almost any grocery store or supermarket year-round.

These tomatoes are excellent for making sauce. Their thick walls and low moisture content give you a rich, smooth paste. Many home canners prefer Roma tomatoes because they cook down fast and produce a generous amount of sauce from a small batch.

San Marzano Tomatoes

San Marzano tomatoes come from Italy and are a prized variety among tomato lovers. They are longer and thinner than Roma tomatoes. Their flavor is sweeter and less acidic, which makes them perfect for delicate dishes.

Many pizza lovers swear by San Marzano tomatoes for their authentic taste. These tomatoes are a top choice for making Neapolitan pizza sauce and other traditional Italian recipes. They are a bit harder to find fresh in some areas, but canned San Marzano tomatoes are widely available.

Amish Paste Tomatoes

Amish Paste tomatoes are an heirloom variety that has been passed down through generations. They are larger than Roma tomatoes and have a beautiful deep red color. Their flavor is rich and complex, with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes.

These tomatoes are great for both cooking and fresh eating. They are also excellent for preserving. If you want to store them for a long time, learning how to vacuum seal tomatoes properly can keep Amish Paste tomatoes fresh for months in your pantry.

Other Notable Plum Tomato Varieties

Beyond Roma, San Marzano, and Amish Paste, there are many other plum tomato varieties worth trying. Here are some popular ones:

• Viva Italia – A hybrid variety that produces heavy yields of firm, red fruit
• Heinz 2274 – A classic paste tomato used commercially and in home gardens
• Opalka – An heirloom variety with elongated, sweet fruit perfect for sauces
• Italian Prune – Great for drying and making sun-dried tomato treats
• Baby Paste – A smaller variety perfect for small gardens and container growing
• Seneca Star – A disease-resistant hybrid with excellent flavor for cooking

How to Grow Plum Tomatoes

Growing plum tomatoes is a rewarding experience for any home gardener. They are relatively easy to care for and produce a generous harvest. Here is everything you need to know to get started with growing tomatoes this season.

Choosing the Right Variety

Start by picking a variety that suits your climate and goals. If you want to make sauce, choose Roma or San Marzano. If you want a versatile tomato for eating and cooking, Amish Paste is a great all-around choice.

Consider whether you want determinate or indeterminate plants. Determinate plum tomatoes grow to a set size and produce fruit all at once. Indeterminate varieties keep growing and producing throughout the season. Both types have their benefits, so choose based on your space and timeline.

Planting and Care Tips

Start your seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings outside when the soil temperature stays consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Space plants about two feet apart to allow for good air flow and healthy growth.

Plum tomatoes love full sun. Give them at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Water them consistently, aiming for about one inch of water per week. Mulch around the base of each plant to retain moisture and prevent weeds from taking over.

Feed your plants with a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season. Watch for common pests like hornworms and aphids. Use organic insecticidal soap if you spot any trouble on your tomato plants. Regular inspection helps catch problems early.

Harvesting Plum Tomatoes

Plum tomatoes are ready to harvest when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. This usually takes about 70 to 80 days from transplanting. Pick them when they are ripe for the best flavor and texture.

If you have a lot of tomatoes ripening at once, you can pick them early and let them ripen indoors. Place them in a paper bag at room temperature. They will ripen within a few days and be ready to use.

Some gardeners also pick green tomatoes before frost and use them in recipes. If you have unripe tomatoes at the end of the season, check out what to do with green tomatoes for some great cooking ideas and recipes.

Cooking with Plum Tomatoes

Plum tomatoes shine in the kitchen. Their thick flesh and low moisture make them perfect for a wide range of delicious dishes. Here are some of the best ways to cook with plum tomatoes and bring out their full flavor.

Making Tomato Sauce

The most popular use for plum tomatoes is making homemade sauce. Simply chop them up, simmer them in a pot, and let the water cook off. In about 30 minutes, you will have a rich, thick tomato sauce that tastes far better than anything from a jar.

You can season the sauce with garlic, fresh basil, and olive oil. Add a pinch of salt and sugar to balance the natural acidity. Once cooked, you can use the sauce right away or store it for later in the week. Homemade sauce freezes beautifully too.

Roasting Plum Tomatoes

Roasting plum tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and deepens their flavor. Cut them in half lengthwise, place them on a baking sheet, and drizzle with olive oil. Roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 to 30 minutes until they are slightly caramelized.

Roasted plum tomatoes are wonderful on pasta, pizza, and sandwiches. They also make a great addition to grain bowls and fresh salads. The slow roasting concentrates the flavor and creates a rich, savory result that elevates any dish.

Using Plum Tomatoes in Soups and Stews

Plum tomatoes add depth and richness to soups and stews. They break down quickly and create a hearty, flavorful base. Try adding them to minestrone, tomato bisque, or chicken stew for a comforting meal.

You can use fresh or canned plum tomatoes for soups. Canned plum tomatoes are already cooked, so they save you time. Simply add them to your pot and let the flavors meld together over low heat. They work especially well in slow cooker recipes.

Canning and Preserving

Plum tomatoes are the go-to choice for canning. Their low water content means you get more product from fewer tomatoes. You can can them whole, crushed, or as a ready-made sauce for convenient meals later.

To can plum tomatoes, you need mason jars, a pressure canner or water bath canner, and proper acidification. Adding lemon juice to each jar ensures safe acidity levels. Always follow tested recipes from the USDA for the best and safest results.

If you want to extend the shelf life even further, consider vacuum sealing your tomatoes after cooking. This method works great for homemade sauces and pastes. Learning how to vacuum seal tomatoes is a simple skill that pays off throughout the year by keeping your creations fresh for months.

Storing and Preserving Plum Tomatoes

Proper storage keeps plum tomatoes fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Whether you have a bumper harvest from your garden or bought more than you can use at once, knowing how to store them correctly is essential.

Short-Term Storage

Store ripe plum tomatoes at room temperature if you plan to use them within a few days. Keep them away from direct sunlight and place them stem-side down. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps them tasting fresh longer.

Do not refrigerate ripe plum tomatoes. Cold temperatures ruin their texture and flavor. The flesh becomes mealy and the taste becomes dull and flat. Only refrigerate tomatoes if they are already cut and you need to use them within a day or two.

For cut tomatoes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Use them within 24 hours for the best quality and flavor. Always bring refrigerated tomatoes back to room temperature before using them in recipes.

Long-Term Storage Options

For long-term storage, you have several great options that keep your harvest going well into winter:

• Canning – Shelf-stable for up to 18 months when properly processed
• Freezing – Blanch and freeze whole or as a prepared sauce
• Drying – Dehydrate for delicious sun-dried tomato snacks
• Vacuum sealing – Store cooked tomato products for extended freshness

Freezing is the easiest method. Simply wash the tomatoes, cut out the core, and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They will keep for up to eight months without losing their flavor.

For the best long-term results, consider combining methods. Cook your tomatoes into a sauce, then vacuum seal the sauce for storage. This way you have ready-to-use tomato base whenever you need it without spending time cooking from scratch.

Plum Tomatoes vs Other Tomato Types

Not all tomatoes are the same. Plum tomatoes have unique qualities that set them apart from other popular varieties found in grocery stores and gardens. Let us compare them to some common types so you can see why they are so special.

Plum Tomatoes vs Round Tomatoes

Round tomatoes, also called slicing tomatoes, are the classic burger tomato. They have high water content and juicy flesh. They are great for sandwiches and salads but can make sauces watery and thin.

Plum tomatoes have much less water and more flesh. This makes them ideal for cooking. You get more tomato flavor per tomato when you use plum varieties. They save you time and effort in the kitchen.

Plum Tomatoes vs Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are small, round, and very sweet. They are perfect for snacking and adding to salads. However, they are not ideal for cooking down into thick sauces or pastes.

Plum tomatoes are larger and have a more savory flavor profile. They cook down quickly and produce a thick, concentrated sauce. Cherry tomatoes work better when you want a burst of sweetness in a fresh dish.

Plum Tomatoes vs Beefsteak Tomatoes

Beefsteak tomatoes are large and heavy with lots of juice. They are great for slicing and grilling on a summer barbecue. However, their high water content makes them less efficient for canning and preserving.

Plum tomatoes are much more efficient for these tasks. You get more usable flesh and less waste. For anyone who likes to put up tomatoes for the winter months, plum tomatoes are the clear winner for preserving.

Quick Comparison Table

Here is a simple comparison of common tomato types you will encounter:

Type | Shape | Best For | Water Content
Plum Tomatoes | Oval | Sauce, canning, pastes | Low
Round Tomatoes | Round | Slicing, salads | High
Cherry Tomatoes | Small, round | Snacking, salads | Medium
Beefsteak Tomatoes | Large, round | Grilling, slicing | High

Nutritional Benefits of Plum Tomatoes

Plum tomatoes are not just delicious. They are also packed with nutrients that support good health and well-being. Here is why you should include them in your regular diet.

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Plum tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C. They also provide vitamin A, potassium, and vitamin K. These nutrients support your immune system, skin health, and heart function. Eating them regularly contributes to a balanced and nutritious diet.

High in Antioxidants

Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives them their red color. Lycopene has been linked to many health benefits in scientific studies. It may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Cooking tomatoes actually increases the bioavailability of lycopene. This means your body absorbs more of it when tomatoes are cooked. That is great news for anyone who loves tomato sauce and other cooked tomato dishes.

Low in Calories

Plum tomatoes are very low in calories. A medium tomato has about 22 calories. They are also high in fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. This makes them a great choice for anyone watching their calorie intake while still wanting nutritious meals.

Common Mistakes When Using Plum Tomatoes

Even experienced cooks sometimes make mistakes with plum tomatoes. Being aware of these errors can help you get the best results every time you cook with them.

Buying the Wrong Variety

Not all tomatoes labeled as plum are created equal. Some grocery store brands are bred for appearance, not flavor. Look for tomatoes that are heavy for their size and have smooth, unblemished skin.

If you can find locally grown or heirloom plum tomatoes, go for them. The flavor difference is noticeable and worth the extra effort. Farmers markets are often the best place to find high-quality plum tomatoes that taste amazing.

Not Cooking Them Long Enough

Plum tomatoes need time to break down properly. If you rush the cooking process, your sauce will be thin and watery instead of thick and rich. Give your tomatoes at least 20 to 30 minutes of simmering time to get the right consistency.

You can speed things up by crushing the tomatoes before cooking. This increases the surface area and helps them release their moisture faster. A good muddling with a wooden spoon works wonders in the early stages of sauce making.

Storing Them in the Fridge

As mentioned earlier, refrigerating ripe plum tomatoes ruins their texture and flavor. Many people make this mistake because they are trying to keep tomatoes fresh longer. Room temperature storage is always better for ripe, unbroken tomatoes.

If you must refrigerate cut tomatoes, use them within a day. And always let refrigerated tomatoes come to room temperature before using them for the best flavor. Cold tomatoes simply do not taste as good as ones stored properly.

Expert Tips for the Best Plum Tomato Experience

Here are some insider tips from experienced cooks and gardeners to help you get the most out of your plum tomatoes this season.

• Buy in season. Plum tomatoes taste best from late summer through early fall. Off-season tomatoes are often picked green and ripened artificially, which affects their flavor.
• Grow your own. Plum tomato plants are prolific producers. Even a single plant can give you enough tomatoes for a season of cooking and preserving.
• Save seeds. Heirloom plum tomato varieties let you save seeds for next year. This saves money and preserves unique flavors for future harvests.
• Use a food mill. A food mill removes skins and seeds quickly and efficiently. It leaves you with smooth, seedless tomato sauce in just minutes of work.
• Freeze whole tomatoes. You can freeze plum tomatoes whole without blanching. The skins slip off easily after thawing. This is the fastest way to prep tomatoes for cooking.
• Roast extra tomatoes. Make a big batch of roasted tomatoes and freeze them in portions. They are ready to toss into pasta, soups, and stews anytime.

Conclusion

Plum tomatoes are one of the most useful and versatile ingredients in any kitchen. Their thick flesh, low water content, and rich flavor make them perfect for sauces, canning, roasting, and so much more. Whether you grow them yourself or buy them from the store, they deserve a regular spot in your kitchen and meal planning.

From Roma to San Marzano to Amish Paste, there is a plum tomato variety for every need and preference. They are easy to grow, simple to store, and wonderful to cook with. Their nutritional benefits add even more value to an already fantastic and healthy food.

Next time you are at the store or planning your garden, give plum tomatoes a try. Once you start cooking with them, you will wonder how you ever made sauce without them. They are truly a kitchen essential that every home cook should have on hand and ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between plum tomatoes and regular tomatoes?

Plum tomatoes are oval-shaped with thick flesh and fewer seeds. Regular tomatoes, like round slicing tomatoes, are juicier and have more water content. Plum tomatoes are better for cooking and preserving because they break down into thick sauces more easily and quickly.

Can I use plum tomatoes for fresh eating?

Yes, you can eat plum tomatoes fresh. They have a concentrated flavor that works well in salads and sandwiches. However, most people prefer to cook them because their dense flesh and low moisture content shine in sauces, pastes, and other cooked dishes.

Are San Marzano tomatoes the same as plum tomatoes?

San Marzano tomatoes are a specific type of plum tomato. They come from Italy and have a sweeter, less acidic flavor than standard Roma tomatoes. All San Marzano tomatoes are plum tomatoes, but not all plum tomatoes are San Marzano.

How long do plum tomatoes last?

Ripe plum tomatoes last about 5 to 7 days at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, they can last up to two weeks, but the texture and flavor suffer. For long-term storage, canning or freezing can preserve them for up to 18 months when done properly.

What is the best way to peel plum tomatoes?

The easiest way is to blanch them. Cut a small X at the bottom of each tomato, drop them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. The skins will slip right off. This method works great when you are making sauce or preparing tomatoes for canning.

Can I grow plum tomatoes in containers?

Yes, plum tomatoes grow well in containers. Use a pot that is at least five gallons in size. Make sure it has proper drainage holes and fill it with quality potting mix. Compact determinate varieties work best for container growing on patios and balconies.