🥬 Vegetables & Aromatics

Plum Tomatoes Substitute: Complete Guide

Find the best substitutes for plum tomatoes including canned, fresh, and Italian varieties. Learn proper ratios, cooking techniques, and when to use each alternative for perfect results in any recipe.

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Quick Answer

The best plum tomatoes substitutes are Roma tomatoes (1:1 ratio), cherry tomatoes (1:1 ratio), or canned diced tomatoes (1:1 ratio). Roma tomatoes are the closest match in shape and texture, while cherry tomatoes provide similar sweetness and size.

Best Substitutes

Roma Tomatoes

1:1

The closest substitute to plum tomatoes with similar oval shape, meaty texture, and sweet flavor. Roma tomatoes are often used interchangeably with plum tomatoes in recipes.

Best for:

cookingroastinggrillingsaucespasta disheswhen you want identical shape and texture

Roma tomatoes are essentially the same as plum tomatoes - they're the same variety with different names. They have identical shape, texture, and flavor characteristics.

Cherry Tomatoes

1:1

Small, round tomatoes with similar sweetness to plum tomatoes but different shape and size. They work well in most recipes that call for plum tomatoes.

Best for:

cookingroastinggrillingsaladspasta disheswhen you want similar sweetnesswhen size doesn't matter

Cherry tomatoes have similar sweetness to plum tomatoes but are round instead of oval. They work well in most recipes where the shape isn't critical.

Canned Diced Tomatoes

1:1

Convenient canned alternative to fresh plum tomatoes with similar flavor and texture. Perfect for cooking when fresh tomatoes aren't available.

Best for:

cookingsaucessoupsstewspasta disheswhen fresh tomatoes aren't availableyear-round consistency

Canned diced tomatoes provide consistent flavor year-round and are perfect for cooking applications. They have similar flavor to fresh plum tomatoes but softer texture.

Grape Tomatoes

1:1

Small, oval tomatoes with similar shape to plum tomatoes but smaller size. They have sweet flavor and firm texture that works well in most applications.

Best for:

cookingroastinggrillingsaladswhen you want similar shapewhen you want similar sweetness

Grape tomatoes have a similar oval shape to plum tomatoes but are smaller. They have sweet flavor and firm texture that works well in most recipes.

Cocktail Tomatoes

1:1

Small, round tomatoes with similar sweetness to plum tomatoes. They work well in most cooking applications where the shape isn't important.

Best for:

cookingroastinggrillingsaladswhen you want similar sweetnesswhen shape doesn't matter

Cocktail tomatoes have similar sweetness to plum tomatoes but are round instead of oval. They work well in most recipes where the shape isn't critical.

Pear Tomatoes

1:1

Pear-shaped small tomatoes with similar sweetness to plum tomatoes. They have a unique shape but work well in most cooking applications.

Best for:

cookingroastinggrillingsaladswhen you want similar sweetnesswhen shape doesn't matter

Pear tomatoes have similar sweetness to plum tomatoes but a different shape. They work well in most recipes where the shape isn't important.

Regular Tomatoes

1:1 (cut to size)

Larger tomatoes that can be cut to size to match plum tomatoes. They have similar flavor but different texture and size.

Best for:

cookingroastinggrillingwhen you want similar flavorwhen you can cut to sizesauces

Regular tomatoes can be cut to size to match plum tomatoes. They have similar flavor but different texture and need to be cut appropriately.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1:1

Dried tomatoes with concentrated flavor that can be rehydrated or used as-is. They have a different texture but intense tomato flavor.

Best for:

cookingwhen you want intense flavorsauceswhen you want concentrated flavorpasta disheswhen texture doesn't matter

Sun-dried tomatoes have a very different texture than plum tomatoes but provide intense tomato flavor. They can be rehydrated or used as-is depending on the recipe.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Plum tomatoes are oval-shaped with meaty texture and sweet flavor
  • 💡They're perfect for roasting, grilling, and adding to sauces
  • 💡Plum tomatoes hold their shape well when cooked
  • 💡They're sweeter than cherry tomatoes but less intense in flavor
  • 💡Plum tomatoes work well in both hot and cold applications
  • 💡They're perfect for creating thick, rich sauces
  • 💡Plum tomatoes add sweetness and depth to pasta dishes
  • 💡They're great for adding to soups and stews
  • 💡Plum tomatoes are perfect for creating balanced flavors in dishes
  • 💡They work well in both Mediterranean and Italian dishes
  • 💡Plum tomatoes are perfect for creating visual appeal in dishes
  • 💡They're great for adding to stir-fries and roasted vegetables
  • 💡Plum tomatoes are perfect for creating colorful salads
  • 💡They work well in both sweet and savory dishes
  • 💡Plum tomatoes are perfect for creating depth of flavor in sauces

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for plum tomatoes?

Roma tomatoes are the best substitute for plum tomatoes as they are essentially the same variety with identical shape, texture, and flavor. Cherry tomatoes and canned diced tomatoes are also excellent alternatives depending on your specific needs.

Can I use Roma tomatoes instead of plum tomatoes?

Yes, you can use Roma tomatoes instead of plum tomatoes in a 1:1 ratio. Roma tomatoes and plum tomatoes are the same variety with different names, so they have identical characteristics.

What's the difference between plum tomatoes and Roma tomatoes?

There is no difference between plum tomatoes and Roma tomatoes - they are the same variety with different names. Both have the same oval shape, meaty texture, and sweet flavor.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh plum tomatoes?

Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh plum tomatoes in a 1:1 ratio. Canned tomatoes provide consistent flavor year-round and work well in most cooking applications.

What can I substitute for plum tomatoes in Italian cooking?

For Italian cooking, Roma tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes work best as substitutes for plum tomatoes. They provide similar flavor and texture that work well in Italian dishes.

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of plum tomatoes?

Yes, you can use cherry tomatoes instead of plum tomatoes in a 1:1 ratio. Cherry tomatoes have similar sweetness and firm texture, though they are round instead of oval.

What's the best substitute for canned plum tomatoes?

The best substitute for canned plum tomatoes is canned diced tomatoes or canned Roma tomatoes. Both provide similar flavor and texture and are readily available year-round.

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of plum tomatoes?

Yes, you can use regular tomatoes instead of plum tomatoes by cutting them to size. Regular tomatoes have similar flavor but different texture and size, so you'll need to cut them appropriately.

What can I use instead of plum tomatoes for sauce?

For sauce, Roma tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes, or canned crushed tomatoes work best as substitutes for plum tomatoes. They provide similar flavor and texture that work well in sauce applications.

Are plum tomatoes and Italian plum tomatoes the same?

Yes, plum tomatoes and Italian plum tomatoes are the same variety. The term 'Italian plum tomatoes' is often used to refer to plum tomatoes grown in Italy or used in Italian cooking, but they are the same as regular plum tomatoes.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for plum tomatoes including Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and canned alternatives. Learn proper ratios, cooking tips, and when to use each substitute for perfect results in any recipe.