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

Lettuces Preparation Course Vegetables

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!

See Complete Recipe
Taste Mood Easy Main Ingredient Preparation

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!

See Complete Recipe
Cuisine Soups Stews Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less

Aguado De Gallina Or Chicken Rice Soup

Experience the vibrant flavors of Peru with this authentic Aguado de Gallina recipe! This comforting and delicious chicken rice soup is bursting with fresh herbs, spices, and tender chicken. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this easy-to-follow recipe will transport your taste buds to the heart of Peru. Find the original recipe inspiration at Laylita's website.

See Complete Recipe
Kid Friendly Pasta Healthy Healthy 2

Angel Hair Pasta With Basil Tomatoes

This quick and easy Angel Hair Pasta recipe bursts with fresh Italian flavor! Garlic and vibrant basil complement perfectly ripe tomatoes, creating a simple yet unforgettable dish ready in under 20 minutes. Easily adaptable – use your favorite pasta! Serves 3.

See Complete Recipe
Pork Cuisine Meat Pork

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.

See Complete Recipe
Healthy Time To Make Low Saturated Fat Low Cholesterol

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!

See Complete Recipe
Cuisine Time To Make Spaghetti 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!

See Complete Recipe
Dinner Party Main Dish Easy Course

Authentic Indian Chicken Curry

Unlock the secrets to a vibrant, flavorful Indian chicken curry! This fresca, saucy recipe is a family heirloom, passed down through generations. Unlike other generic curries, this recipe delivers a burst of authentic Indian spices and tender chicken, perfect for a weeknight meal. Serve with fluffy white rice or fragrant basmati for a truly unforgettable experience. Omit the butter for a healthier twist, without sacrificing any deliciousness! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe.

See Complete Recipe
3 Steps Or Less Salads Main Ingredient Low Sodium

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.

See Complete Recipe
Dinner Party Cuisine Healthy 2 Italian

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!

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Eggs Dairy Dietary Preparation

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!

See Complete Recipe
Pork Bacon Preparation Number Of Servings

Bacon Blue And Avocado Quesadilla

Indulge in this California Avocado Commission recipe! A creamy, dreamy quesadilla bursting with smoky bacon, tangy blue cheese, and rich avocado. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Appetizers 30 Minutes Or Less Appetizers Preparation

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.

See Complete Recipe
Weeknight 60 Minutes Or Less Weeknight Course

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.

See Complete Recipe
Time To Make Main Ingredient Preparation Time To Make

Baked Manicotti Bolognese Ragu

Experience a flavor explosion with this Baked Manicotti Bolognese Ragu! Our rich and flavorful meat sauce, subtly complements the creamy ricotta filling and perfectly cooked manicotti pasta. This recipe generously provides extra sauce – perfect for serving alongside extra pasta or enjoying delicious leftovers. Get ready for a comforting Italian classic that's both impressive and easy to make!

See Complete Recipe
Course Time To Make Pasta Penne

Beautiful Baked Ziti

This cheesy, bubbly Baked Ziti recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Featuring Johnsonville Italian sausage (or your favorite turkey or vegetarian alternative), this comforting casserole is easy to make and bursting with flavor. Perfectly baked ziti pasta is layered with rich tomato sauce, fresh basil, garlic, and melted mozzarella, creating a dish that's sure to become a family staple. Get ready for a taste of pure deliciousness!

See Complete Recipe
Main Dish 30 Minutes Or Less Main Dish Pasta

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.

See Complete Recipe
North American Side Dishes 4 Hours Or Less North American

Best Damn Borracho Beans Period

These borracho beans are the culmination of years of perfecting the recipe! Get ready for a flavor explosion of tender beans, savory ham hock, and zesty spices. This hearty, crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering. Learn the secrets to achieving melt-in-your-mouth beans with our detailed, easy-to-follow instructions.

See Complete Recipe