Fruit, Vegetable (culinary) | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie Low Carb

Roma Tomatoes

Solanum lycopersicum 'Roma' Allergen-Free
Roma Tomatoes

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Solanaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican
  • Seasonality Summer, Early Fall (peak), Year-Round (commercial)
  • Source Tomato plant

The Forktionary Angle

"The sauce maestro: a low-seed, meaty marvel celebrated for its concentrated flavor, perfect for transforming into rich, vibrant sauces."

Definition

A plum-shaped, firm tomato with dense flesh and few seeds, ideal for sauces, pastes, and canning due to its low water content.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Tangy, Umami, Mildly Acidic
TextureFirm, Meaty, Juicy, Low Seed Content
AromaEarthy, Fresh, Vegetal, Slightly Fruity
AcidityMed

Technical Metrics

Ideal Use

Sauces, pastes, canning

Storage (Room Temp)

5-7 days (unrefrigerated, for best flavor)

Water Content

Lower than round tomatoes

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 medium tomato
Calories18 kcal
Total Fat0.2 g
Saturated Fat0.0 g
Trans Fat0.0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.9 g
Total Carbohydrate3.9 g
Dietary Fiber1.2 g
Total Sugars2.6 g
Calcium10 mg
Iron0.3 mg
Potassium237 mg

Chef’s Secret

To easily peel Roma tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into an ice bath. The skin will slip right off.

Substitutions

Best Match

San Marzano Tomatoes

1:1

Premium plum tomato, often considered superior for sauces due to balanced flavor and low acidity.

Canned Diced Tomatoes

1:1 (by weight)

Convenient for sauces and stews when fresh isn't available, but less firm.

Beefsteak Tomatoes (drained)

1:1

Larger, juicier, higher water content. Good for fresh use, but requires draining for sauces.

Cherry Tomatoes (halved)

1:1 (by volume)

Sweeter and juicier, good for fresh salads or quick roasted sauces.

Buying Guide

Choose firm, smooth, brightly colored tomatoes with no bruises or cracks. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

Flavor Pairings

Pasta sauces bruschetta salsas roasting canning soups salads.

Recipes Using Roma Tomatoes

Preparation 3 Steps Or Less Time To Make Preparation

Olive Garden Salad And Dressing Recipe

Recreate the magic of Olive Garden's famous salad at home! This recipe delivers an authentic, restaurant-quality taste experience with a simple, step-by-step guide. Make enough creamy Italian dressing to perfectly coat a large bowl of fresh greens, crisp vegetables, and zesty toppings. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal!

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30 Minutes Or Less Dips Presentation No Cook

7 Layer Fiesta Party Dip

Relive the nostalgic flavors of classic party dips! This 7-Layer Fiesta Dip recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for your next gathering. A family favorite passed down through generations, this recipe is easy to double or even triple, so you'll have plenty to share (and sneak extra bites for yourself!). Why pay outrageous prices for store-bought dips when you can create this incredibly delicious and authentic version at home? Get ready to impress your guests with this vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make layered dip!

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Tomatoes European Occasion Italian

Amazing Italian Tomato Soup

Transport your taste buds to Sicily with this incredible Italian tomato soup! A Christmas Eve tradition since 2005, this easy recipe boasts outstanding flavor and is perfect for a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight meal. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a truly unforgettable soup experience.

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Occasion Occasion Dinner Party Easy

Anti Stress Antipasto

Whip up this vibrant Anti-Stress Antipasto Platter in just 20 minutes! Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal or a stress-free appetizer. This colorful platter bursts with Mediterranean flavors and textures, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and soothe your soul.

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Main Ingredient 30 Minutes Or Less Side Dishes Low Cholesterol

Arroz Pilaf

Cheryl and Bill Jamison's legendary Arroz Pilaf is a game-changer for your Tex-Mex feasts! This vibrant rice pilaf boasts incredible flavor that perfectly complements, never competes, with your favorite grilled meats, burritos, stews, tacos, and more. Easy to make and even better reheated, this side dish is a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to elevate your next Tex-Mex gathering.

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30 Minutes Or Less Healthy Beans Main Dish

Artichoke And Garbanzo Stew

This vibrant Artichoke and Garbanzo Stew, inspired by Sunset Magazine, is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian delight! Perfect served over fluffy rice, alongside crusty bread, or with a refreshing tossed salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Tender artichoke hearts and garbanzos simmer in a rich broth with carrots, creating a comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Get ready to savor the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean!

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Eggs Dairy Course European Preparation

As Close As I Ll Ever Get To Greece Salad

Transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with this vibrant and refreshing salad! Made with the freshest ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy and requires minimal prep time. We've carefully estimated ingredient amounts for a perfect balance of flavors. A key element is the olive brine – using the liquid from your olives adds an authentic, briny depth. Discover the secret to a truly exceptional Greek salad!

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Vegetarian Toddler Friendly Pasta European

Audrey Hepburn's Favorite Spaghetti Al Pomodoro

A taste of elegance! Recreate this simple yet sophisticated Spaghetti al Pomodoro recipe, inspired by Audrey Hepburn's son Sean's memoir, "Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit." This classic Italian dish features perfectly ripe tomatoes simmered with aromatic herbs and a touch of olive oil, creating a vibrant and flavorful sauce that complements perfectly cooked spaghetti. A true family favorite!

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Low Saturated Fat 15 Minutes Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Time To Make

Avocado And Black Bean Salad

This vibrant Avocado Black Bean & Corn Salad is the perfect summer dish, bursting with fresh flavors! Perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations or any time you crave a healthy and delicious meal. This recipe combines creamy avocado, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a zesty lime dressing for an unforgettable taste. Easy to make in just 10 minutes, it's a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to impress.

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Vegetables Tomatoes Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less

Avocado And Feta Salsa

This vibrant Avocado & Feta Salsa recipe is a taste of sunshine! Inspired by Southern Living, this quick and easy dip is ready in minutes. Perfect for parties or a simple weeknight snack, the creamy avocado blends beautifully with salty feta and juicy tomatoes. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips for an irresistible appetizer.

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Appetizers Number Of Servings Time To Make Healthy 2

Avocado Bruschetta

Whip up this vibrant Avocado Bruschetta in just 27 minutes! This easy appetizer recipe uses pantry staples for a quick and flavorful bite, perfect for a casual get-together or a light dinner. The creamy, textured avocado topping is a delightful contrast to the crispy toasted baguette. Serve warm or at room temperature for a truly irresistible treat. Get ready to impress your guests with this simple yet elegant recipe!

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European Cheese Spanish Vegetables

Baby Spinach And Lentil Salad

This vibrant Baby Spinach and Lentil Salad is packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal or side dish. The earthy lentils are perfectly complemented by the fresh spinach, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Lunch Time To Make American Meat

Bacon Ranch Cajun Baby Cheeseburgers For Zwt 9

Spice up your weeknight with these mini Bacon Ranch Cajun Baby Cheeseburgers! This recipe, inspired by Picky-Palate.com, delivers a fiery kick with a creamy ranch finish. Customize your Cajun seasoning blend or use a store-bought mix for a quick and easy meal. Get ready for juicy, flavorful patties topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh arugula. Perfect for a fun family dinner or a satisfying weeknight treat! Prep time varies based on your Cajun seasoning choice.

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Appetizers Course 30 Minutes Or Less Appetizers

Baked Caprese Salad

Giada De Laurentiis inspired! This easy Baked Caprese Salad recipe elevates classic flavors. Crispy toasted focaccia topped with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil – a perfect appetizer or light lunch! Get ready for a burst of fresh, summery goodness.

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Course Dietary Low Sodium Inexpensive

Baked Couscous With Tomato And Pesto

A comforting and vibrant Donna Hay-inspired winter recipe! This baked couscous dish features sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, a vibrant spinach pesto, and fluffy couscous, all baked to perfection for a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.

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Main Dish Pasta Rice And Grains Shellfish Main Dish

Basil Shrimp And Feta Pasta

A burst of Mediterranean flavor! This Basil Shrimp and Feta Pasta recipe is a quick and easy 30-minute meal that's packed with fresh ingredients. Juicy shrimp, salty feta, fragrant basil, and a bright lemon-tomato sauce create a dish that's both satisfying and unbelievably delicious. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Dietary Low Carb Low Sodium Main Ingredient

Beef Green Chili And Tomato Stew

This hearty Beef Green Chili and Tomato Stew is a flavor explosion! Tender beef simmers in a rich broth with fire-roasted green chilies, juicy tomatoes, and comforting potatoes (optional, but highly recommended!). Perfect for a chilly evening, this recipe is a family favorite, easily adaptable to your spice preference. Inspired by a classic, this updated version delivers a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.

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Novelty Course Novelty Pasta Rice And Grains

Belinda's Version Of Carino's Chicken Scaloppini

Craving Carino's Chicken Scaloppini but don't want to leave the house? This recipe is a delicious copycat version, inspired by a Macaroni Grill recipe and tweaked to perfection by Belinda! We've captured the essence of Carino's famous dish, omitting mushrooms (but feel free to add them!) for a flavor explosion that will have you saying 'wow!' Get ready for juicy chicken, savory sauce, and a taste of Italy in under 30 minutes.

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