Plum Tomatoes

Transform your home cooking with the rich, robust flavor of fresh plum tomatoes, the kitchen essential that brings authentic taste and versatility to countless dishes around the world. Plum tomatoes, also known as paste tomatoes or processing tomatoes, are characterized by their elongated oval shape and meaty texture with fewer seeds than standard slicing varieties. These vibrant red tomatoes feature thick walls and dense flesh that holds up beautifully during cooking, making them the preferred choice for sauces, soups, and slow-cooked dishes. Their concentrated flavor profile delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, with less water content than other tomato varieties, which means more intense taste in every bite. These versatile tomatoes are fundamental to Italian cuisine, forming the backbone of classic marinara sauces, hearty stews, and traditional pasta dishes. Beyond Italian cooking, plum tomatoes shine in Mediterranean recipes, Mexican salsas, and Middle Eastern tagines. For best results, blanch and peel plum tomatoes before adding them to slow-cooking recipes, or roast them whole with olive oil and herbs to concentrate their natural sweetness. They're excellent for canning and preserving, and work wonderfully in fresh preparations like bruschetta or caprese salads when perfectly ripe. Try pairing plum tomatoes with basil, garlic, and mozzarella for classic Italian flavors, or combine them with onions, peppers, and spices for robust cooking bases that elevate soups, braises, and grain dishes throughout the year.