Tomatoes — whether they’re vibrant heirlooms or juicy cherry or grape — are summer’s jewels. When in peak season, they’re stunning when arranged in a caprese salad and delicious when charred on the grill. Fresh tomatoes are also delicious for gazpacho, tomato sauce, slow-roasting and so much more. Not sure which tomatoes to pick? Here’s an easy primer of popular heirloom, cherry and grape tomato varieties based on color and flavor.
Orange Persimmon
Persimmons are famous for their skin's vibrant color. Its low acidity levels result in a pleasant mix of mellow, fruity notes. Available in summer and fall, they’re great for cooking and baking. Try in a tomato tart topped with vinegar and oil.
Brandywine
Red Brandywines are full-bodied and non-acidic, which makes them the ultimate tomato to pair with fresh basil and burrata. Available during most of the year, they’re the best and most abundant during the summer months.
Cherokee Purple
The rich flavor of these tomatoes is a balance of sweetness and acidity that results in a slightly smoky taste. As an heirloom beefsteak, these are best enjoyed fresh in a sandwich, especially in a decadent grilled cheese.
Marvel Stripe
With “marvelous” stripes running down both their skin and interior flesh, Marvels are bright and sweet, making them perfect for a tangy-sweet gazpacho. Enjoy them during summer and fall months.
Sweet 100
Sweet 100 plants produce hundreds of cherry tomatoes in grape-like clusters. They’re famous for their rich, sugary-sweet flavor and can add a pop of color to any dish. Try in pasta, salads and any dish that calls for a sturdier tomato.
Sungold
Sungold cherry tomatoes are at their best in the summer, and are exceptionally sweet with tangy and tropical undertones. Look for their glossy skin, which changes from gold to dark orange when ripe. They’re perfect to display on appetizer boards.
Black Cherry
The color of a Black Cherry tomato indicates its richness of flavor. At their peak maturity, you can enjoy smoky and sweet notes with low acidity levels. Try mixing up your pizza and salsa recipes with these tomatoes that are available from summer to fall.
