Differences Between Plum and Roma Tomatoes

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With the varieties of tomatoes available today, it’s challenging for the average person to tell the differences or similarities between each. Plum and Roma, for example, are typical in many grocery stores and have the same red color, but not everyone understands the difference between them. How about you? Do you know the differences between plum and Roma tomatoes?

Although they have the same color and are often the same size, plum and Roma tomatoes are different from each other. In a nutshell, plum tomatoes are one type of tomato, while Roma is simply a variety that falls under plum tomatoes. This article will provide more information to help you learn the difference between plum and Roma tomatoes.

How Plum and Roma Tomatoes Came Into Existence

A plum tomato, also known as paste tomato or processing tomato, is a kind of tomato that is bred and grown for packing and sauce purposes.  Another difference between plum tomatoes vs. regular tomatoes is that the former has lower water content and has an almost chewy flesh, making them more suitable for processing. When it comes to plum vs. Campari tomatoes, plum tomatoes are often bigger and come in a lighter shade of red. 

Can I Substitute Roma Tomatoes for Plum Tomatoes?

Plum tomatoes are best used for fresh salads, and quick sauté dishes as they don’t contain and hold excess moisture.

Roma tomatoes, on the other hand, are firm and slender in nature — but are also common for canning and the production of tomato paste. They can definitely be substituted. When comparing Roma tomatoes vs. regular tomatoes, the former has a deeper and richer flavor but less juice inside. Unlike regular tomatoes, Roma tomatoes boil faster. 

The Key Difference Between Plum and Roma Tomatoes

The key difference between plum and Roma tomatoes is their classification. Plum tomatoes come in many different varieties, and Roma is just one of them. The confusion between plum and Roma tomatoes must have stemmed because Roma tomatoes are popular for being one of the most commercially distributed and produced plum tomatoes. 

The section below will discuss other characteristics that make plum and Roma tomatoes unique. 

1) Classification

Plum tomatoes are classified as part of the Solanales, or the order of flowering plants. This classification includes over 165 genera and around 4,080 species of plants. Two of the largest plant families known to classify under Solanales are the Solanaceae (or nightshades) and the Convulvulacea (or the morning glories).

Roma tomatoes have a scientific name of “Solanum Lycopersicum,” and belong to the flowering plant of the nightshade family.

2) Health Benefits

All types of tomatoes are known to provide a wealth of health benefits. For one, tomatoes are a rich source of antioxidant lycopene that is linked to reducing heart diseases and cancers. Tomatoes are also packed with vitamins C and K, along with folate and potassium.

Adding plum and Roma tomatoes to your diet allows you to experience these health benefits:

• Improved vision: The antioxidant lycopene found in plum and Roma tomatoes is good for your eyes. According to studies, tomatoes can protect your eyes against common disorders, such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Plum and Roma tomatoes can also support vision and protect the eyes from light damage. 
• Improved digestive health: If you’re prone to constipation, consuming more plum and Roma tomatoes can help. Because of their fiber and fluid content, plum and Roma tomatoes can keep your digestive system healthy and in tiptop condition while keeping symptoms of diarrhea and constipation at bay. 
• Guarded skin health: Since your skin is the largest organ of your body, it’s vital that you take care of it. You can achieve this goal by adding plum and Roma tomatoes to your diet. Tomatoes contain a high concentration of lycopene that can protect the skin against sun damage and support the production of collagen, a molecule that provides structure to the skin. 

Plum and Roma tomatoes can provide more health benefits but keep in mind to consume them in moderation. Eating too many tomatoes can trigger acid reflux or indigestion and might worsen existing digestive problems. 

3) Taste and Appearance

Plum and Roma tomatoes have a unique taste and appearance. Plum tomatoes are firm and aren’t very juicy. This type of tomato is cooked down to produce a deep red sauce without having to use or add any tomato paste. Since plum tomatoes aren’t acidic, these are also great additions to salads.

Plum tomatoes often come in cylindrical or oval shapes and have fewer seed compartments than standard round tomatoes (these usually have two seed compartments). Roma tomatoes are distinct because they are full of flavor and have a tangy and garden-fresh tomato taste. Roma tomatoes are often sweet and acidic and have chewy flesh. This type of tomato is ideal for making delicious sauces, stews, or tomato pastes.

Roma tomatoes have an egg-like shape, can grow up to three inches long, and have thick and smooth skins. Since Roma tomatoes aren’t juicy and are drier on the inside, it’s best to cook them down to form a thick sauce rather than slicing them into thin pieces. 

The Differences Between Plum and Roma Tomatoes

Plum and Roma tomatoes look very similar, but the two are different from each other because of their classification. Plum tomatoes are a common variety of tomatoes, and Roma tomatoes fall under the plum classification.

Aside from the information presented in this article, you can utilize other resources to learn more about the differences between plum and Roma tomatoes. This information will make it easier for you to distinguish the two and determine which type is best suited for your dishes!