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

Preparation Preparation Course 30 Minutes Or Less

All American Grilled Cheese With A Twist

Elevate your classic grilled cheese! This gourmet twist from Cooking Light features juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil, perfectly melted cheddar cheese, all grilled to golden perfection. A quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal the whole family will love!

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Course Vegetables Main Ingredient Salads

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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Course Preparation Appetizers Dietary

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 Easy Italian

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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Course Sauces Dietary 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 Healthy Dinner Party Low In Something

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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Low Calorie Preparation Course Dietary

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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North American Appetizers Low Cholesterol Easy

Award Winning Guacamole

This incredible guacamole recipe, straight from the pages of a renowned Mexican cookbook, took home first place at our annual Cinco de Mayo competition! Get ready to impress your friends and family with this vibrant, flavorful dip. The secret? Perfectly ripe avocados, a touch of heat, and a bright citrus finish. Make it right before serving to keep the vibrant green color.

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Main Dish Northeastern United States North American Greens

Bacon Tomato Spinach Pizza

Craving a quick, tasty, and budget-friendly dinner? This Bacon Tomato Spinach Pizza is your answer! Ready in under 35 minutes, this recipe combines the savory flavors of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh spinach on a creamy alfredo base. Get ready for a pizza night that's both delicious and easy on the wallet!

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Course Course Easy Low Saturated Fat

Baked Red Snapper

Flaky and flavorful baked red snapper, a healthy and delicious recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner. This light yet satisfying dish is inspired by a weight-loss recipe and is easily adaptable to your favorite vegetables. Prepare for tender, juicy fish with a burst of fresh flavors!

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Pork Course European Meat

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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Low Saturated Fat Low Cholesterol Time To Make Low Protein

Barefoot Contessa's Roasted Tomatoes

Ina Garten's irresistible roasted tomatoes, as seen on her 'Photo Finish' episode! These sweet and savory tomatoes are bursting with flavor after roasting, perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or topping for pasta. Easy to make and unbelievably delicious!

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Low In Something 4 Hours Or Less Low Calorie Low Saturated Fat

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 Course Dietary Time To Make

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 European Beef English

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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Course Time To Make Main Dish Preparation

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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Vegetables Occasion Lentils Vegetables

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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Time To Make Preparation Dips Eggs Dairy

Kittencal's Mexi Ground Beef Guacamole Seven Layer Dip

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This incredible seven-layer dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for your next party or game day gathering. I've perfected this recipe, combining savory ground beef with creamy guacamole, spicy jalapenos, and rich layers of cheese and beans. Prepare the components ahead of time – it's even better at room temperature! Easily customizable to your spice preference, this dip is guaranteed to have your guests begging for more. Make a double batch for larger crowds!

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