Alternative Tomatoes to Cherry Tomatoes: The Great Tomato Debate
There are as many opinions about cherry tomatoes as there are cherry tomato fans. Some folks love them for their juicy, tangy flavor, while others find the small size and occasional bitterness to be drawbacks. In this article, we’ll be exploring the differences between cherry tomatoes and alternative tomatoes, so that you can make the most informed decision for your taste.
Cherry tomatoes are a type of alternative tomato. They’re smaller and less-sweet than their traditional tomato counterparts, but some people love them for the unique flavor they add to recipes. If you’re in the market for a new tomato variety, read on to learn more about alternative tomatoes.
What Are Alternative Tomatoes?
Alternative tomatoes are simply tomatoes that are bred to have smaller, more acidic fruit. They taste similar to regular tomatoes, so you can use them in recipes that call for tomatoes without worry.
The term “alternative” is often thrown around to describe different varieties of fruit, but it has no official definition. In the case of tomatoes, the term “alternative” is used in reference to how the tomato is bred. Some tomato breeders cross their tomatoes with other species to create new, unique varieties.
Roma Tomatoes
Roma tomatoes are simply the Italian name for tomato plants. They’re typically the biggest and most popular variety of tomato. Roma tomatoes are disease-resistant and generally produce a large tomato that is dense with flavor. They’re often used in tomato-based sauces, soups, and salads.
Stellina Tomatoes
Stellina tomatoes are a cross between a Roma and a smaller type of tomato. They have a delightful mix of both tomato and fruit flavors, making them a good all-around choice for both fresh eating and salsa.
Roma-ish Tomatoes
Roma-ish tomatoes are a cross between a Roma and another type of tomato. They have the best of both worlds, with a strong Roma flavor combined with a more tangy, less acidic taste of another tomato. Roma-ish tomatoes are good choices for salsas, salads, and sandwiches.
Better Boy Tomatoes
Better Boy tomatoes are a cross between a cherry tomato and a plum tomato. They have a more tangy flavor than a cherry tomato, and a less watery, less bitter flavor than a plum tomato. They’re often used in tomato-based sauces, soups, and salads.
Miniaturized Tomatoes
Miniaturized tomatoes are bred to be smaller than the traditional tomato. They have the same shape and size as a traditional tomato, but are produced in a smaller quantity. They’re often used in tomato-based salads, sandwiches, and pizzas.
Conclusion
If you love traditional tomatoes but want a fruity alternative, cherry or alternative tomatoes are a great choice. They have the same flavor and can be used in the same recipes as traditional tomatoes.
You can also try growing your own cherry tomatoes using this easy tutorial. Whether you’re new to gardening or have experience growing veggies, growing tomatoes is a great way to add fresh vegetables to your diet.
Cherry tomatoes are a fun change of pace from the traditional tomato, but they’re not for everyone. If you’re not a big fan of their unique flavor, you should probably steer clear. What are your thoughts on these alternative tomatoes? Let us know in the comments!