Roma tomatoes are plum tomatoes that you can purchase in stores and are used for canning. But what if you run out of them?
Through this blog post, we want you to discover different substitutes for Roma tomatoes.
Cento San Marzano is the most similar plum tomato variety to Roma tomatoes. They make a definite substitute for them. While you discover the alternatives, Roma tomatoes are seedless, meaty, oval-shaped tomatoes. Besides, regular tomatoes are round and larger in size. They have a high water content.
You can even substitute regular tomatoes with any other variety in your recipes. It will depend on what you plan to make and how well the substitution integrates into it.
We cover here the options you should know that you can use in any situation.
What Are Roma Tomatoes?
Primarily grown in the USA, the Roma tomato is among the most commonly sold tomatoes in supermarkets worldwide. Even so, they are grown in various other parts of the world.
Roma tomatoes are plum tomatoes widely used to make tomato paste, sauces, and many other recipes. There are countless astounding uses of Roma tomatoes.
There are a few differences between Roma tomatoes and regular tomatoes —in diced or crushed form. They differ in size, shape, and flavor. Note that all plum tomatoes are larger than regular tomatoes on purpose. They are less round, too.
Roma tomatoes win the taste game because they have a rich, sweet, and savory flavor full of tomato juiciness. You will find regular tomatoes a better option for salads and antipasto.
Health Benefits of Romas
Before we discuss Roma tomato substitutes, let us first talk about their health benefits.
Roma tomatoes are a nutrition-rich source of vitamin C, potassium, and other nutrients. It also shares health benefits from the vitamin A family, which includes lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These nutrients enhance your eyesight, boost immunity, and lower your risks of certain types of cancers.
So guys, taste and prevention both come so handy with Romas! 😀🍅
5 Best Roma Tomato Substitutes
Following are some exotic varieties that are the ideal replacement for Roma tomatoes for your dishes:
1. San Marzano
San Marzano tomatoes are one of the finest plum tomatoes we can have. The San Marzano is a rich meatiness with the perfect taste balancing sweetness.
This flavorful combination makes it a perfect choice for you to prepare sauces, pastes, or similar. You can use them in a 1:1 adjustment, which means you can use them in the same quantities.
If we compare the two, San Marzano tomatoes are thinner and more pointed than Roma tomatoes. Their flash is much thicker than Roma tomatoes, and they have fewer seeds. They taste sweeter, stronger, and less acidic.
If you successfully get San Marzano tomatoes, you will surely be taking your food game to the next level.
2. Ropreco
Why don’t you avail of a fresher variety called Ropreco tomatoes to replace Roma tomatoes?
Ropreco tomatoes taste even better and richer than Roma tomatoes. You can simply level up your everyday cooking with them.
You can find this more delicious Roma tomato substitute canned. Remember that they are hard to find in grocery stores and supermarkets.
You might occasionally see the ‘Ropreco paste’ on the shelves —a popular form of Ropreco tomato sales.
3. Plum Tomatoes
As we learned earlier, Roma tomatoes are just one type of versatile plum tomato. Regular canned plum tomatoes go so well with many dishes.
However, most of these canned tomatoes are actually varieties of Roma tomatoes. And why not? Roma makes the best option as a replacement.
They are high on the list of plum tomatoes in their richness of flavor and texture. Roma tomatoes are the most famous variety of plum tomatoes.
Roma tomato varieties are cultivated, canned, and sold on a large scale on the market. Mostly you will see Roma tomatoes written on the tin’s labels.
4. Big Mama
Big Mama is a type of tomato perfect for making thick, creamy sauces and sour creams for pizzas. It is so rich and juicy, being really ‘BIG’ in size. Big Mama tomatoes are also used in many other dishes worldwide.
While looking for different substitutions for Roma tomatoes, you will find that Big Mama tomatoes are an excellent replacement. It’s a plum tomato your taste buds will thank you for!
This fabulously meaty variety set new standards for tomato paste that is just perf to go in soups and sauces. They are famous because they can be easily peeled. There are also wide canned varieties to use for various purposes.
5. Beefsteak Tomatoes
Beefsteak tomatoes are the amazing big-sized, meaty Roma tomato substitute you have been craving. They are good to go in sauces and pastes, yet they have thicker skin. You’ll have to remove their skin with care and get wonderful pastes, sauces, and more.
These tomatoes contain fewer seeds than Roma tomatoes. They come with more amounts of flesh and less liquid overall. These largest cultivated tomatoes are pink or red in color.
These juicy fruits are perfect for summer sandwiches or sliced snacks with light seasonings. Beefsteak tomatoes go so well with about any dish at all. From stuffing to salads and burgers, just get them as fresh as can be and enjoy the results!
Conclusion
When your required tomatoes are not in season, you must use decent-tasting alternatives or a high-quality canned brand that saves your day.
Having said that, you can see that we have plenty of nice options when we are looking for a good Roma tomato substitute. Whether you choose Big Mama, Beefsteak, or Ropreco for your meals, they are all very promising.
Your selection will depend upon the kind of recipe you are making with them, though. Try any of the replacements mentioned above and enjoy your meal! 😊🥗
Learn More: Substitute for Diced Tomatoes: 7 Best Alternatives Explained