Everything You Need to Know About Tomatoes
Fresh, abundant and brightly coloured, Ontario tomatoes taste like sunshine and summer in every flavour-filled bite. Here, a primer on how to enjoy them, from choosing your favourite varieties to wine pairing, plus lots of tasty recipes
Tomatoes 101
With more than 300 varieties of tomatoes grown in Ontario, deciding what to eat — and plant at home — can feel daunting. Simplify the choices with this cheat sheet on what’s available.
1. Roma (a.k.a. Italian plum)
Thanks to their high acidity, low seed counts and little water content, these torpedo-shaped tomatoes are sauce-ready. Look for San Marzano or Big Mama.
2. Cherry and grape
Their diminutive size, sweetness and thin skins make these perfect for snacking or a quick sauté. Try colourful Sun Golds (orange) and Black Cherries (purple).
3. Heirloom
Many purists prefer the higher sugar content and superior flavour of heirloom varieties, which vary widely by size, colour and taste. Look for Lemon Boy or Black Krim.
4. Beefsteak
Craving a BLT? Use thick slices of this juicy, robust and tangy variety (it's also great with fresh mozzarella or as chunky salad wedges). Top types include Big Beef and Whopper.
The Basic Rules for Pairing Wine with Tomatoes
With more than 400 different chemical properities at play, a tomato’s flavour profile is complex, opening up a world of wine-pairing options. We asked Langdon Hall Executive Chef, Jason Bangerter to share his tips for pairing wine with tomatoes.
Tomato Salads
When fresh, tomatoes are more acidic. Pair a high-acid white like Soave or Greco di Tufo with a vinaigrette-tossed tomato salad.
We recommend Folonari Soave DOC.
Cooked Tomato Sauce, Soups and Stews
With pasta and other cooked tomato-based dishes, a top choice is Brunello di Montalcino. Bold and earthy, it's made from a unique clone of Sangiovese.
We recommend Piccini Brunello di Montalcino DOCG.
Raw Tomato Recipes
For dishes with uncooked tomatoes, the savoury notes of a Sangiovese work well, while gazpacho finds harmony with rosé.
We recommend Caparzo Sangiovese Toscana IGP.
Recipes
From the Food & Drink Archives
Tomtini
There’s a world of exquisite cocktails beyond a Bloody Mary or a Caesar. Try our Tomato Martini, made with flavourful tomato water.
Tomato, Watermelon and Feta Salad
Make this cooling sidekick to serve alongisde a spicy barbecue dinner.
Tomato Bread Salad
Its quintessential summery taste makes it perfect for any backyard party.
More of Our Favourite Tomato Recipes
Black Rice & Tomato Salad
Cheddar Cups with Fresh Tomato Relish & Crispy Pancetta
Fresh Tomato, Olive & Lemon Pasta
Saffron-Spiced Tomato Chicken
Gnocchi with Rapini, Pancetta & Tomatoes