Roma and plum tomatoes are two of the most popular tomato varieties. Their meaty texture and robust flavor make them ideal for sauces, stews, canned products, and more But are Roma tomatoes and plum tomatoes really the same thing? Let’s find out
What are Plum Tomatoes?
Plum tomatoes are a category of tomatoes that have been bred specifically for processing purposes like canning, juicing, and making paste and sauce They are called “plum” tomatoes because of their oval or plum-like shape.
Some common varieties of plum tomatoes include:
- Roma – The most popular plum tomato, Roma tomatoes are egg or pear-shaped with few seeds.
- San Marzano – A long, tapered plum tomato popular in Italian cuisine.
- Amish Paste – Acorn-shaped, deep red plum tomatoes originating from Pennsylvania.
- Grape Tomatoes – Tiny, grape-sized oval tomatoes.
Overall, plum tomatoes are known for:
- Low moisture content – Leading to a thicker, richer sauce or paste.
- Meaty flesh – With few seeds and juicy pulp.
- Mild sweet flavor – Well-balanced with less acidity than other tomatoes.
- Oval or plum shape – Distinguishing visual characteristic.
What are Roma Tomatoes?
Roma tomatoes, which are also called Roma VF or Italian tomatoes, are a type of plum tomato. They are the most widely available and recognizable plum tomato.
Some key features of Roma tomatoes:
- Egg or pear shape – Oval with a pointed tip.
- Small to medium size – Usually around 3 inches long.
- Dense flesh – Thick walls with few seeds and pulp.
- Determinate vines – Bushy plants versus trailing vines.
- Excellent for sauces – Low moisture content.
- Wide availability – Grow well and ship better than other varieties.
What’s the Difference Between Plum and Roma Tomatoes?
While Roma tomatoes are a type of plum tomato, there are some differences between Roma tomatoes and other plum tomato varieties:
- Shape – Romas are oval while other plum tomatoes can be more rounded.
- Size – Romas are typically smaller, around 3 inches long.
- Growth habit – Romas are determinate while some plum tomatoes are indeterminate.
- Flavor – Romas tend to be more mild while some plum tomatoes have a richer, sweeter flavor.
- Uses – Romas are preferred for sauces while some plum tomatoes like San Marzano work better for hand-crushed dishes.
- Availability – Roma tomatoes are the most widely available plum-type tomato.
Can You Substitute Roma Tomatoes for Other Plum Tomatoes?
Because Roma tomatoes are a type of plum tomato, you can generally substitute them for other plum tomato varieties in recipes. For example:
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Substitute Roma tomatoes for San Marzano in slow-cooked Italian dishes.
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Use Roma instead of Amish Paste tomatoes when making tomato sauce or canned tomatoes.
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Replace another plum variety with Roma tomatoes when making salsa or tomato paste.
However, since Roma tomatoes tend to be smaller and have a milder flavor than some other plum tomatoes, keep in mind:
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You may need more Roma tomatoes by volume to equal another plum variety.
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The flavor profile may be slightly different with Romas in certain dishes.
So while you can sub Roma for other plum tomatoes, you may need to tweak the quantity or seasonings in the recipe to account for their smaller size and milder flavor. When in doubt, it’s best to use the exact plum tomato variety called for in the recipe.
How to Choose Good Roma or Plum Tomatoes
Pick Roma or other plum tomatoes that are: this will give your food the best taste and texture
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Fully ripe – Choose tomatoes that are completely red with no green patches.
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Plump and firm – Avoid tomatoes that are shriveled or mushy.
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Unbruised – Select tomatoes free of soft spots or bruises.
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Heavy for their size – Heavier tomatoes tend to be juicier.
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Fresh smelling – Ripe tomatoes should smell sweet and tomato-ey, not musty.
Getting the most flavorful plum tomatoes will ensure your sauces, salsas, and other dishes taste their absolute best.
How to Store Plum Tomatoes
To maximize freshness and shelf life of plum tomatoes:
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Do not refrigerate unripe tomatoes – Keep them at room temp until fully ripe.
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Once ripe, store in the fridge stem-side up. The cold helps slow ripening and prevent overripening.
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Or, leave on the counter and plan to use within a couple days.
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Store cut plum tomatoes tightly wrapped in the fridge and use within 3-4 days.
Proper storage keeps plum tomatoes fresh as long as possible once ripe so none of that sweet, robust flavor goes to waste.
Tips for Cooking with Roma or Plum Tomatoes
To highlight the best qualities of Roma and other plum tomato varieties in your cooking:
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For richer flavor, roast or slow cook plum tomatoes to concentrate their flavors.
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To thicken sauces, simmer plum tomatoes with their skins and seeds since they have less moisture.
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Use hand-crushed plum tomatoes like San Marzano for an authentic chunky texture.
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For canned plum tomatoes, go for fire-roasted or tomatoes packed in their own juice for the best flavor.
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To balance out the mild taste of plum tomatoes, add flavors that go well with them, such as garlic, basil, olive oil, or balsamic.
The Bottom Line
Roma tomatoes are without a doubt the most popular and widely available variety of plum tomato. While Roma tomatoes and other plum tomatoes share a similar oval shape, meaty flesh, mild sweet flavor, and low moisture content perfect for processing, Roma does have some subtle differences that distinguish it from the broader plum tomato category. But at the end of the day, Roma tomatoes can be substitutes for other plum tomato varieties, especially when sauces and salsas call for that thick, rich tomato flavor.
