Vegetable (Culinary Fruit) | Vegan Gluten Free Low Calorie Keto

Plum Tomatos

Solanum lycopersicum 'Plum' Allergen-Free
plum tomatos

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Solanaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Mediterranean
  • Seasonality Summer-Fall (July-October)
  • Source Plant

The Forktionary Angle

"The foundational tomato for transforming simple dishes into rich, concentrated flavor experiences."

Definition

Oval-shaped tomatoes with thick flesh, low seed count, and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor, ideal for sauces and canning.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Mild, Slightly Acidic, Umami
TextureFirm, Fleshy, Meaty, Less seedy
AromaFresh, Earthy, Mildly herbaceous
AcidityMedium

Technical Metrics

Ideal for Sauce Making

High pulp-to-seed ratio

Lycopene Content (Antioxidant)

High

Storage Life (Ripe)

1 week (room temp)

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 medium (62g)
Calories18 kcal
Total Fat0.2g
Saturated Fat0g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein0.9g
Total Carbohydrate3.9g
Dietary Fiber1.2g
Total Sugars2.6g
Calcium10mg
Iron0.3mg
Potassium237mg

Chef’s Secret

To easily peel plum tomatoes for sauces, score an 'X' on the bottom, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer to an ice bath.

Substitutions

Best Match

Roma Tomatoes

1:1

Virtually identical, often used interchangeably, excellent for sauces.

Canned Diced Tomatoes

1:1 (volume)

Convenient for cooked dishes, especially when fresh aren't available.

Grape Tomatoes

1:1 (fresh)

Smaller, sweeter, good for salads or quick roasting, but higher seed count.

Beefsteak Tomatoes (less water)

1:1 (weight)

Larger, more watery, but can work in cooked applications if excess liquid is reduced.

Buying Guide

Choose firm, smooth, brightly colored tomatoes free from blemishes. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight for best flavor. Refrigerate only if fully ripe.

Flavor Pairings

Pasta sauces Salsas Soups Roasting Canning Bruschetta

Recipes Using Plum Tomatos

Low In Something Pork Main Dish Tomatoes

20 Minute Tomato Basil Pork Chops

Impress your taste buds with these juicy, flavorful 20-Minute Tomato Basil Pork Chops! Featured on Taste of Home's cooking show, this recipe is incredibly easy and quick, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a sophisticated dinner party. The vibrant colors and delicious combination of tender pork, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil create a dish that's both stunning and satisfying. Get ready to experience a burst of flavor in just 20 minutes!

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Easter Vegetables Easter Eggs Dairy

After Easter Layered Salad

Transform your Easter leftovers into a vibrant and delicious layered salad! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover ham, eggs, and veggies. A stunning and easy make-ahead salad that's ideal for Easter brunch, a spring picnic, or even Thanksgiving! Get creative and adapt it to your favorite seasonal ingredients.

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Course Low Cholesterol Penne Low Carb

Artichoke And Olive Marinara Sauce

A vibrant and flavorful artichoke and olive marinara sauce, ready in under 40 minutes! This quick and easy pasta sauce recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Impress your family with its burst of Mediterranean flavors – a delicious combination of garlic, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and briny olives.

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Dietary Course Low Sodium Dietary

Arugula Tomato And Corn Salad

Capture the taste of summer with this vibrant arugula, tomato, and corn salad, inspired by Atlanta's renowned Mi Spia Ristorante! Sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, peppery arugula, and crunchy pecans come together in a light and zesty vinaigrette. This easy 30-minute recipe is perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or summer BBQ. Elevate your meal with the fresh flavors of Italy!

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Cheese High In Something Main Ingredient 5 Ingredients Or Less

Australian Lager And Spicy Cheese Dip

Experience the taste of Australia with this quick and easy Spicy Cheese Dip! Made with creamy melted cheese and the crisp refreshment of Australian lager (though any beer works!), this recipe is perfect for game day, parties, or a casual weeknight snack. A vibrant blend of spices and fresh cilantro adds a delicious kick. Serve with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for an unforgettable flavor explosion! #AustralianLager #CheeseDip #SpicyDip #GameDayFood #EasyRecipe #PartyAppetizer #AustralianRecipe

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Italian European Main Ingredient Vegetarian

Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce

Discover the taste of Italy with this authentic tomato sauce recipe, passed down through generations! This rich and flavorful sauce, simmered for three hours, is a family favorite. Perfect for pairing with your favorite meatballs (recipe available separately) or Italian sausage, this sauce is guaranteed to be a culinary masterpiece. Get ready to experience the true taste of Nona's kitchen!

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Dietary Course Condiments Etc Preparation

Authentic Pasta Sauce

Discover the secret to the best pasta sauce you'll ever taste! This family heirloom recipe, passed down through generations, is bursting with flavor. We've enhanced the classic recipe with juicy meatballs, spicy pepperoni, and sweet Italian sausage for a truly unforgettable experience. Feel free to add grilled chicken, rabbit, pork chops, or steak for an even more decadent meal (served on the side). This recipe easily serves 1 pound of pasta, but adjust to your needs. Freezes beautifully for future enjoyment!

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Cuisine Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains Medium Grain Rice

Authentic Spanish Paella

Master the art of Paella with this incredible recipe! Developed over a year of experimentation, this recipe delivers an authentic Spanish Paella experience, perfect for a crowd. Cooked in an 18" paella pan over an open flame (a Weber grill is ideal!), this recipe blends succulent seafood and tender meats for a truly unforgettable flavor. While purists debate the meat and seafood combination, our experience across Spain shows this delicious mix is widely enjoyed. Easily adaptable for smaller stovetop pans – simply halve the recipe. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this vibrant and flavorful masterpiece!

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Dietary Low Calorie Low Cholesterol Vegetarian

Avocado Boats

Quick, easy, and delicious! This 5-minute Rachael Ray-inspired recipe transforms ripe avocados into vibrant appetizer boats brimming with a zesty tomato salsa. Perfect for a weeknight snack or a party starter!

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Meat Presentation Easy Occasion

B L T Dip Bacon Lettuce And Tomato Blt

Elevate your appetizer game with this creamy, dreamy BLT Dip! A delicious twist on the classic BLT sandwich, this recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for parties or a casual weeknight snack. We recommend using light mayonnaise and light Breakstone's sour cream for a lighter, healthier take on this indulgent dip. Get ready to impress your guests with this crowd-pleasing recipe!

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Comfort Food Comfort Food Easy Course

Baked Penne With Ground Beef And Tomato Sauce

This irresistible Baked Penne with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce recipe will become a family favorite! We're taking pasta night to the next level with a rich, flavorful homemade tomato sauce (though your favorite bottled sauce works in a pinch!). The secret? Simmering the sauce for at least an hour to develop deep, complex flavors. Prepare it ahead – it tastes even better the next day! This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner party. Get ready for cheesy, bubbly goodness!

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Eggs Dairy Course European Eggs Dairy

Baked Rigatoni With Ham And Feta

This cheesy, baked rigatoni recipe is a flavor explosion! Creamy half-and-half, savory ham, tangy feta, and sweet tomatoes create a comforting and irresistible dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Get ready for a taste sensation that will have you coming back for seconds!

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European 30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Seafood

Baked Scrod Provencale

This Baked Scrod Provençal recipe will change your mind about fish! Tender scrod fillets are baked to flaky perfection in a fragrant, vibrant sauce of garlic, tomatoes, olives, and herbs. A sprinkle of feta cheese adds a salty, creamy finish. This easy 25-minute recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal and guaranteed to impress!

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Refrigerator Fish Brunch Served Cold

Barley And Tuna Salad With Lemon And Dill

This vibrant Barley and Tuna Salad is the perfect light and refreshing summer meal! Made with cooked barley, succulent tuna, zesty lemon, and fragrant dill, this salad is surprisingly flavorful and requires minimal cooking. Prepare the barley ahead of time, then simply combine everything for a make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day! The dill and tuna flavors meld beautifully overnight, creating a delightful culinary experience. Perfect for Weight Watchers (Core or 3 points for Flex), this satisfying salad is a healthy and delicious choice for any occasion. Don't eat it right away though – the flavors really develop after chilling!

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Salads Dietary Time To Make Low In Something

Basil Spinach Salad With Lime Vinaigrette

This vibrant and refreshing Basil Spinach Salad with Zesty Lime Vinaigrette is the perfect light yet satisfying addition to any meal! Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this recipe combines fresh spinach, fragrant basil, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a bright and flavorful lime dressing. A healthy and delicious choice for lunch or a side dish.

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Meat Meat Dietary Time To Make

Beef With Black Olives Pie

Transport your taste buds to Morocco with this fragrant Beef with Black Olives Pie! A rich and savory stew of tender beef, bursting with Moroccan spices, olives, and a touch of heat (optional), all nestled in a flaky homemade pastry crust. Serve with saffron mash for a truly unforgettable meal. Inspired by Sophie Conran's Pies.

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Filipino Course Main Dish Asian

Bicol Express

Experience the fiery thrill of Bicol Express, a legendary Filipino dish named after the iconic Manila-Bicol train! This intensely flavorful stew packs a spicy punch from native chilies and savory depth from shrimp paste and coconut milk. Perfect for adventurous palates, it's a rewarding culinary journey, though some ingredients may require a trip to your local Filipino or Asian grocery store. Prepare for a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!

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Soups Stews Soups Stews Preparation Comfort Food

Big Batch Red Lentil Soup

This vibrant and hearty red lentil soup is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for meal prepping! Easy to customize for vegetarian or vegan diets, this recipe yields approximately 20 cups – enough for multiple meals. Made with a blend of sweet and spicy peppers, carrots, and aromatic spices, this soup is bursting with flavor. Skip the optional lime cream for a vegan option. Prepare this in under an hour using a food processor for faster chopping.

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