Farm Happenings at Farmer Joe's Gardens
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[CSA Update] Welcome to week 8

Posted on August 1st, 2024 by Ida DeFrancesco

Exploring the Differences: Grape Tomatoes, Plum Tomatoes, and Globe Tomatoes Explained

Tomato season is in full swing, and our CSA members are in for a treat! Our fields are brimming with over 40 types of tomatoes, each bringing its unique flavor and texture to the table.

What's the differences between grape tomatoes, plum tomatoes, and globe tomatoes? Which tomatoes are low in acid? Get ready to rediscover tomatoes with recipes and harvest tips that will elevate your kitchen game!

Taste the Rainbow of Tomato Flavors

Grape Tomatoes: Small and Sweet

Grape tomatoes are a favorite among tomato enthusiasts, and for good reason. These small, oval-shaped tomatoes are known for their sweet flavor and firm texture. Perfect for snacking, they can be eaten straight off the vine or added to salads for a burst of flavor.

Grape tomatoes are also a great choice for roasting, as their sweetness intensifies with heat. They grow in clusters, making them easy to harvest. Our CSA members will find these little gems in your shares throughout the tomato season.

Grape tomatoes are versatile and can be used in a variety of tomato recipes, from fresh salsas to pasta dishes. Their low acidity makes them a good option for those looking for low acid tomatoes. Enjoy them as a healthy snack or a delightful addition to your meals!

Plum Tomatoes: Beyond Tomato Sauce

Plum tomatoes are often the go-to choice for making tomato sauce, but their uses extend far beyond that (Roma, Big Mama, Plum, San Marzano...). These tomatoes are oblong and meaty, with fewer seeds and less juice than other types of tomatoes, making them ideal for cooking.

Their dense flesh holds up well in stews, soups, and casseroles. You can also use them for roasting, grilling, or even drying to create sun-dried tomatoes.

Plum tomatoes have a rich, concentrated flavor that enhances any dish. Incorporating plum tomatoes into your tomato recipes will add depth and complexity. They are perfect for salsas, bruschettas, and even homemade ketchup.

Don’t just limit them to sauces—explore the endless culinary possibilities that plum tomatoes offer. Their versatility and robust flavor will surely elevate your cooking game!

Globe Tomatoes: The Classic Choice

Globe tomatoes, also known as slicing tomatoes, are the quintessential tomato variety that most people think of when envisioning a tomato. These round, medium to large-sized tomatoes are perfect for slicing and adding to sandwiches, burgers, and salads.

Their balanced flavor profile—neither too sweet nor too acidic—makes them incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Globe tomatoes are juicy and have a smooth texture, which makes them excellent for fresh eats. However, they can also be used in cooking, whether you’re making a hearty tomato soup or a fresh tomato salsa.

We hope you will appreciate the reliability and multipurpose nature of globe tomatoes. Their size and flavor make them a staple in many tomato recipes, providing a fresh and vibrant taste to any dish. Whether you enjoy them raw or cooked, globe tomatoes are a classic choice that never disappoints.