Tomatoes 101: 7 Tomato Types & How to Use Them

1. Cherry Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the heart of Italian cooking- from rich sauces to fresh salads to layered sandwiches. But not all tomatoes are created equal. Each variety brings its own unique flavor, texture, and best uses to the table. Today, we’re breaking down 7 popular tomato types, how to use them, and highlighting a few standout Italian tomato products we love- plus simple recipe ideas to try.

Profile: Sweet, juicy, and vibrant
Best For: Snacking, salads, roasting, and light pasta sauces

Try This:
Cherry Tomato Sauce with Basil by Frantoi Cutrera
This ready-to-use sauce is made with sun-ripened Sicilian cherry tomatoes and sweet Giarratana onions for a naturally velvety, bright flavor. It’s perfect tossed with spaghetti, spooned over grilled eggplant, or as a base for shrimp and tomato risotto.

Quick Recipe: Spaghetti al Pomodorino

• Cook spaghetti al dente.
• Warm Cutrera Cherry Tomato Sauce in a pan.
• Toss with pasta and top with torn basil, olive oil, and Parmigiano.

2. Roma (Plum) Tomatoes

Profile: Meaty, low in moisture
Best For: Sauces, roasting, canning

Use Tip: If making your own sugo (Italian tomato sauce), Roma tomatoes are ideal for slow simmering into a rich, thick sauce. They also roast beautifully with herbs and olive oil.

3. San Marzano Tomatoes

Profile: Sweet, slightly acidic, low seeds
Best For: Classic marinara, pizza sauce, tomato soups

Use Tip: Often canned, these prized tomatoes from Campania make a velvety base for sauces. Just crush by hand and simmer with garlic and olive oil for a simple, perfect sugo.

4.  Semi-Dried Tomatoes

Profile: Intensely sweet, slightly chewy
Best For: Charcuterie boards, pasta salads, sandwiches

Try This:
Semi-Dried Cherry Tomatoes in Olive Oil by Frantoi Cutrera
Sun-drenched in Sicily and finished in Tonda Iblea EVOO with hints of garlic and basil, these tomatoes are an umami-rich treat.

Quick Recipe: Tomato & Burrata Crostini

• Toast slices of rustic bread.
• Add burrata and spoon Cutrera Semi-Dried Cherry Tomatoes on top.
• Finish with EVOO and fresh basil.

5. Heirloom Tomatoes

Profile: Complex, earthy, juicy
Best For: Fresh salads, sandwiches, bruschetta

Use Tip: Best enjoyed raw to showcase their depth. Layer slices with mozzarella and basil for a Caprese, or dice into a vibrant panzanella salad.

6. Grape Tomatoes

Profile: Less sweet than cherry, more firm

Best For: Roasting, snacking, pasta

Use Tip: Slice and toss with olive oil, garlic, and salt, then roast until bursting. Spoon over burrata or serve on crostini.

7. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Profile: Intense, concentrated, savory
Best For: Pesto, spreads, pasta sauces

Try This:
Red Pesto with Sun-Dried Tomatoes by ROI
A robust Ligurian sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, cashews, and cold-pressed EVOO. Gluten-free and Paleo-friendly.

Quick Recipe: Summer Pesto Pasta Salad

• Toss cooked pasta with ROI Red Pesto, cherry tomatoes, arugula, and shaved Parmigiano.
• Serve warm or chilled for a summer-perfect dish.

Tomatoes, the Italian Way

From delicate cherry tomatoes to rich sun-dried varieties, each tomato type brings something special to the table. Whether you’re crafting a rustic pasta, topping crostini, or building out your pantry, choosing the right tomato makes all the difference.

Explore our curated collection of artisanal tomato products-made with tradition, care, and the warmth of the Italian sun.