The Best Plum Tomato Substitutes for Every Recipe

Finding plum tomato substitutes can be challenging when you run out. Fortunately, there are alternatives, depending on whether you want fresh, canned, or processed options. Let’s look at some of the alternatives to plum tomatoes and some culinary ideas with them.

What are Plum Tomatoes?

Plum tomatoes are oval-shaped and look like larger versions of grape tomatoes. Part of the Solanaceae family – like potatoes and peppers – these tomatoes are easy to grow and widely available in grocery stores.

They are known for thick flesh and low seed count. Plum tomatoes are perfect for canning and sauces because they do not release as much juice as other tomato varieties. They are therefore ideal for roasting, baking, and grilling. Also, they are a popular choice when you need a firm, non-mushy tomato for dishes.

Nutritional Benefits of Plum Tomatoes

Plum tomatoes are a healthy addition to any diet. They are low in calories and contain no fat, making them a choice for health-conscious eaters. A half-cup of raw plum tomatoes (about 80 grams) provides:

• 18 calories
• Vitamin A: 3% of the daily recommended intake (RDI)
• Vitamin C: 21% of the RDI
• Potassium: 5% of the RDI
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Iron: 1% of the RDI

Furthermore, plum tomatoes are a rich source of antioxidants and phytonutrients, including lycopene, which has been connected to heart health, preventing cancer, and improving vision. Processed products like tomato sauce and paste are even richer in lycopene.

Top Substitutes for Plum Tomatoes

Let’s dive into some of the best plum tomato substitutes, ranging from fresh tomato varieties to canned and other tomato-based products.

Fresh Plum Tomato Substitutes

1. Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes resemble plum tomatoes in size, making them a suitable alternative in both cooked and raw dishes. However, they contain more seeds and are slightly more watery, so you might need to adjust your recipe by adding tomato paste for thickness.

2. Beefsteak Tomatoes

Beefsteak tomatoes are large, fleshy, and perfect for slicing on burgers and sandwiches. They have a slightly tart flavor and are best when fully ripe. These tomatoes are a versatile replacement in most recipes but tend to be more watery, so consider this when making sauces or cooked dishes.

3. Campari Tomatoes

Campari tomatoes are known for their deep red color, juicy texture, and sweet flavor. Their size makes them great for salads or as a garnish, but their flavor also shines when eaten fresh. Campari tomatoes are disease-resistant and a favorite for home gardeners.

4. Grape Tomatoes

Small and sweet, grape tomatoes are a popular snack and salad ingredient. They can also be cooked into sauces, making them a flexible substitute for plum tomatoes.

Canned Plum Tomato Substitutes

1. Canned Roma Tomatoes

Canned Roma tomatoes are a great option if you need a convenient substitute for plum tomatoes. You can find them whole, diced, or crushed. Since Roma tomatoes are part of the plum tomato family, they make an excellent replacement.

2. Canned San Marzano Tomatoes

San Marzano tomatoes are a top-tier canned variety known for their rich and sweet taste. They are more expensive and not always easy to find, but their superior taste makes them worth the splurge, especially for simple dishes like pizza sauce where the tomato flavor stands out.

3. Canned Diced Tomatoes

To keep their form, diced tomatoes are typically treated with calcium chloride after being pre-chopped. They are affordable, convenient, and versatile, making them a good substitute for plum tomatoes in most recipes.

Other Tomato-Based Substitutes

1. Tomato Puree

Tomato puree is a smooth, liquid tomato product that works well in soups, stews, and casseroles. If you do not have any, you can easily create it by mixing equal parts of tomato paste and water.

2. Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is thick and concentrated, making it ideal for adding depth and richness to sauces and soups. It is commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean dishes and can be found in cans or jars. The jarred variety typically has a more intense flavor.

3. Passata

Passata is an uncooked tomato puree strained from seeds and skins, giving it a smooth texture. It’s great for making marinara sauce or as a pizza sauce. If you want to intensify flavor, add a spoonful of tomato paste.

4. Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is a versatile ingredient used straight out of the box for pizza, stews, soups, and pasta dishes. Made by sautéing chopped tomatoes in olive oil and simmering them with seasonings, it is a delicious alternative to plum tomatoes in most recipes.

5. Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes are a unique substitute if you want something with a more intense flavor. They can be used in raw and cooked dishes, and their concentrated taste makes them great for pesto, pizza sauce, or pasta.

See Also – Best Substitutes for Roma Tomatoes: 6 Alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Roma and Plum Tomatoes the Same?

Yes, Roma tomatoes are a type of plum tomato. Big Mama, Amish Paste, and San Marzano are more varieties of plum tomatoes.

2. Can You Substitute Chopped Tomatoes for Plum Tomatoes?

Absolutely! Chopped tomatoes, especially from the Roma variety, can easily be used instead of plum tomatoes. Just be mindful of the texture and consistency needed for your dish.

3. What is the Difference Between Plum and Chopped Tomatoes?

Plum tomatoes, like Roma and San Marzano, are usually peeled and left whole when canned. Chopped tomatoes, on the other hand, are diced and often treated to maintain their shape.