If you’re not celebrating summer with a tomato and mayonnaise sandwich, then you are doing tomato season (and yourself) a disservice. Technically fruits—tomatoes are botanically classified as berries—tomatoes have a flavor that’s both sweet and savory, a divine combination of natural sugar and acidity. They’re incredibly versatile, both a fridge and pantry staple that can improve anything—salad, pasta, sandwiches, even pie.
Summer is just around the corner, which means a plethora of fresh tomatoes that taste like sunshine are coming your way. Refresh your tomato knowledge with this guide covering 10 common tomato varieties, the relationship between a tomato’s color and taste, and the difference between heirloom and hybrid tomatoes.
The term “heirloom” refers to how tomatoes (and plenty of other fruits and vegetables) are bred. Unlike hybrid tomatoes, which come from cross-bred tomato strains, heirloom tomatoes can be traced down a single genetic line. Basically, they’re purebreds. Heirloom tomatoes are prized for their superior taste and texture, and the come in a variety of colors including orange and deep purple. However, that single strain means that heirloom tomatoes have a shorter shelf life and much less resistance to disease than hybrids.
Beefsteak tomatoes are some of the largest cultivated tomatoes around, with a meaty texture and intense, classic-tomato flavor. Theyre typically red or pink, certain varieties of beefsteak tomatoes yield purple, black, or yellow fruit. Thanks to their thick consistency and compact seed cavities, beefsteak tomatoes hold up well when sliced, making them perfect for sandwiches.
Also known as processing or paste tomatoes, plum tomatoes have an almost cylindrical shape and few seeds, making them perfect for preserving. As a result, they’re popular in premade sauces and tomato paste, or diced and canned (Roma tomatoes are a plum variety). Smaller plum tomatoes are often called grape tomatoes.
A number of tomato varieties, both heirloom and hybrid, produce yellow fruit. Yellow tomatoes are less acidic than their red counterparts and have a different nutritional value: for example, yellow tomatoes are high in folate, but have less vitamin C than red ones.
Cherry tomatoes may not be very large, but they pack a sweet, summery punch. They’re typically red, but can also be yellow, green, or even black. Cherry tomatoes are usually smaller than grape tomatoes and have a softer texture.
Several tomato varieties, like the heirloom green zebra or Cherokee green, produce green fruit. However, green tomatoes can also describe unripened red tomatoes which are purposefully harvested early for techniques such breading and frying or pickling.
Also known as tomatoes on the vine, campari tomatoes fall somewhere between cherry and grape tomatoes in size. These hybrids have a deep red hue, low acidity, super sweet flavor, and a juicy, forgiving texture.
Pear tomatoes are an heirloom variety known for their small, pear-shaped fruit. They’re sweet and typically yellow, but can also be red or orange.
Brandywine tomatoes are a variety of beefsteak tomatoes with large, pink fruit and massive flavor. They’re one of the most beloved heirloom varieties and some of the best-tasting tomatoes around. You’ll want to enjoy these fresh, like in a Caprese salad or classic bruschetta.
Another heirloom beefsteak variety, Cherokee purple tomatoes have a distinctive appearance thanks to their dark flesh and clear skin. They’re dense, juicy, and best enjoyed raw and fresh, so go ahead and slice them up for a summer salad.
The cherry tomato is a type of small round tomato believed to be an intermediate genetic admixture between wild currant-type tomatoes and domesticated garden tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes range in size from a thumbtip up to the size of a golf ball, and can range from spherical to slightly oblong in shape.
Beefsteak tomatoes are some of the largest cultivated tomatoes around, with a meaty texture and intense, classic-tomato flavor. Theyre typically red or pink, certain varieties of beefsteak tomatoes yield purple, black, or yellow fruit. Thanks to their thick consistency and compact seed cavities, beefsteak tomatoes hold up well when sliced, making them perfect for sandwiches.
Summer is just around the corner, which means a plethora of fresh tomatoes that taste like sunshine are coming your way. Refresh your tomato knowledge with this guide covering 10 common tomato varieties, the relationship between a tomato’s color and taste, and the difference between heirloom and hybrid tomatoes.
Another heirloom beefsteak variety, Cherokee purple tomatoes have a distinctive appearance thanks to their dark flesh and clear skin. They’re dense, juicy, and best enjoyed raw and fresh, so go ahead and slice them up for a summer salad.
Several tomato varieties, like the heirloom green zebra or Cherokee green, produce green fruit. However, green tomatoes can also describe unripened red tomatoes which are purposefully harvested early for techniques such breading and frying or pickling.
The term “heirloom” refers to how tomatoes (and plenty of other fruits and vegetables) are bred. Unlike hybrid tomatoes, which come from cross-bred tomato strains, heirloom tomatoes can be traced down a single genetic line. Basically, they’re purebreds. Heirloom tomatoes are prized for their superior taste and texture, and the come in a variety of colors including orange and deep purple. However, that single strain means that heirloom tomatoes have a shorter shelf life and much less resistance to disease than hybrids.
These plants reach four to five feet tall and are very productive. The fruit are smooth skinned, oblate shaped, can vary in size from six to twenty ounces each, and bright orange in color. Many fruit will show a lovely, pale pink core. They have an intense, well balanced flavor and lovely juicy texture, truly a wonderful slicing tomato and the regular leaf sister tomato to Dwarf Tanager. From our Bill Yoder Collection. Indeterminate Dwarf, 80 days.
These plants reach four to five feet tall and very productive. The fruit are smooth skinned, oblate shaped, size can vary from four to twenty ounces each! Bright pale orange in color, it has an intense flavor that leans to the tart end of the flavor spectrum. A new variety for 2023 from our Bill Yoder Collection. Indeterminate Dwarf, 80 days.
Indeterminate plants produce abundant crop of 2″ elongated plum-shaped fruits. Black Plum has a beautiful mahogany skin with dusky-green shoulders and dark purple-red flesh. Flavor is unique, sweet, tangy, size is very similar to Juliet. Great for fresh eating, perfect for salad, amazing when sliced in half and roasted with garlic, salt and pepper. This is a tomato we grew for many years and are happy to have them back!
One of the best known and productive heirlooms, this one is beautiful with its smooth yellow skin and ripening to a beautiful orange juice colored gold when fully ripe. Large 1 lb. fruit with an excellent, sweet, fruity taste. Absolutely delicious and one of the top rated heirlooms! Indeterminate 80 days
One of Bill Yoders own “Prince” varieties. These are compact, 36-48 inch tall plants with potato leaf foliage. Plants produce large amounts of round cherry tomatoes that are a glossy deep purple color on top and ripen to a brilliant yellow color on the bottom. Developed for high levels of the anthocyanin antioxidants.
50 Types of TOMATOES | SelfLove
FAQ
What are very small tomatoes called?
What are the tiny sweet red tomatoes?
What are the tiny pointy tomatoes?
What are the different sizes of tomatoes?
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Classification and Size Markings
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Minimum Diameter
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Maximum Diameter
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6 x 7 — Medium
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2-9/32”
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2-19/32”
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6 x 6 — Large
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2-17/32”
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2-29/32”
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5 x 6 — Extra Large
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2-25/32”
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3-5/32”
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4 x 5 — Extra Large
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3-13/32”
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3-25/32”
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What are the smallest types of tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and currant tomatoes are the smallest types of tomatoes. Some small tomato varieties include: Alberto Shatters, Everglades, Gold Rush, Red Currant, Ted’s Pink, White Currant, Chocolate Sprinkles, Green Grape, Ildi, Amethyst Cream, Black Cherry, Champagne Cherry, Super Sweet 100, and Yellow Pear.
What is the best type of tomato to buy?
When buying tomatoes, it is important to observe some characteristics such as the integrity of the skin, whether there are any signs of contamination by fungi or other microorganisms or by chemical contaminants. Organic tomatoes, with a vivid red color and firm consistency to the touch, are recommended for purchase. The Italian tomato is one of the most common varieties and has a good profile of nutrients and bioactive compounds that help with health.
What is the shortest tomato plant?
Sweetheart of the Patio: As a semi-determinate plant, Sweetheart of the Patio produces compact fruit clusters within 68 days. Its branches tend to hang, which makes it an attractive plant for baskets and pots. Micro Tom: Considered the world’s shortest tomato plant, Micro Tom maxes out around eight inches tall.
What is a baby tomato?
A sweet variety that produces heart-shaped red cherries, Baby is a productive plant for such a small stature. There are a few niche seed companies, like Heritage Seed Market , that offer the most extensive collection of classic and rare micro dwarf tomato varieties.