Guide to Selecting the Best Tomatoes

Core Concepts

Passionate cooks appreciate the quality of good tomatoes and offer tips for selecting the best ones based on appearance, smell, and origin.

Abstract

When choosing tomatoes, look for locally grown options in peak season, ensuring they are heavy for their size and free from blemishes. Opt for multicolored varieties during summer and smaller cherry tomatoes off-season. Canned tomatoes can also be a convenient choice for certain dishes.

Stats

The most excellent tomatoes are almost always going to be the ones that have traveled the shortest distance.
Smaller tomatoes should be firm but not hard; larger tomatoes should feel heavy for their size.
Orange and yellow tomatoes are often less acidic than their darker counterparts.
Cherry tomatoes can ripen on the vine longer before being harvested, making them more flavorful than larger varieties.
The BA Test Kitchen recommends Bianco DiNapoli Whole Peeled Organic Tomatoes.

Quotes

"A great tomato should smell floral and almost basil-y—you’ll know it when you smell it."
"Smaller varieties like cherry tomatoes can ripen on the vine longer before being harvested, which means they’re usually more flavorful than their larger counterparts."
"No need to skin or seed! They also have consistency on their side."

Key Insights Distilled From

How to Pick Out Really Great Tomatoes

by Sarah Jampel at getpocket.com 02-21-2024

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/how-to-pick-out-really-great-tomatoes

Deeper Inquiries

What impact does transportation distance have on the flavor of tomatoes?

The transportation distance plays a crucial role in the flavor of tomatoes. Tomatoes that have traveled shorter distances, such as locally grown ones, are more likely to be ripe on the vine rather than ripened artificially during transit. This results in a more flavorful and juicy tomato compared to those that have been transported long distances and ripened off the vine. The freshness and natural ripening process contribute significantly to the taste and overall quality of the tomato.

Is there a significant difference in taste between locally grown and supermarket-bought tomatoes?

Yes, there is often a noticeable difference in taste between locally grown tomatoes and those bought at supermarkets. Locally grown tomatoes, especially when purchased during peak season from farmers markets or directly from local growers, tend to be more flavorful, juicy, and vibrant. They are usually allowed to fully ripen on the vine before being harvested, which enhances their sweetness and overall taste profile. On the other hand, supermarket-bought tomatoes may have been picked early for transport over long distances, leading to a less developed flavor compared to their locally sourced counterparts.

How does the use of canned tomatoes affect the overall flavor profile of dishes?

Using canned tomatoes can actually enhance certain dishes by providing consistency in flavor throughout different batches. Canned tomatoes are convenient for recipes where you need them to break down completely into sauces or braises without having to worry about peeling or seeding fresh ones. Additionally, some canned tomato brands maintain a balance of acidity and sweetness that remains constant across various uses. While fresh tomatoes offer unique flavors based on seasonal variations, canned varieties like Bianco DiNapoli Whole Peeled Organic Tomatoes provide reliability in taste without compromising quality when cooked down for dishes like sauces or stews.