100 Common Types Of Tomatoes

Have you ever bitten into a sun-warmed tomato, fresh off the vine, and marveled at its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity? If so, you're not alone. Tomatoes are one of the world's most beloved fruits (yes, they're technically fruits!), gracing our salads, sandwiches, sauces, and so much more. But did you know that hundreds of tomato varieties are out there, each with its unique flavor profile, appearance, and growing characteristics?

Welcome to the colorful, juicy world of tomato varieties! In this article, we'll explore 100 common types of tomatoes that you might encounter in your garden, at the farmer's market, or even in your local grocery store. From tiny cherry tomatoes that pop with sweetness to giant beefsteaks perfect for slicing, from classic red globes to striped green zebras, we're about to embark on a tomato adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and ignite your gardening passion.

I've spent years cultivating tomatoes in my own garden, experimenting with heirloom varieties passed down through generations and cutting-edge hybrids developed for disease resistance. I've tasted my way through countless tomato varieties, marveling at the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) differences in flavor, texture, and appearance. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of growing your own tomatoes and picking them at the peak of ripeness.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener looking to expand your tomato repertoire, a cooking enthusiast searching for the perfect sauce tomato, or simply a curious eater wondering about those oddly colored tomatoes you saw at the market, this guide is for you. We'll explore the origins of various tomato types, discuss their best uses in the kitchen, and even touch on some growing tips.

So grab a napkin (trust me, you'll be salivating by the end), and let's dive into the wonderful world of tomato varieties. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite tomato!

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They're perfect for slicing and using in sandwiches.

1. Green Zebra These small, round tomatoes have distinctive green stripes.

They offer a tangy, almost citrusy flavor.

Green Zebras are great in salads or as a unique garnish.

1. Mortgage Lifter This variety got its name from a farmer who paid off his mortgage by selling the seedlings.

Mortgage Lifters are large pink beefsteak tomatoes with a sweet, rich flavor.

They're excellent for canning and making sauces.

1. Black Krim Originally from the Isle of Krim in the Black Sea, these tomatoes have a dark, smoky flavor.

They're medium to large in size with a deep purple-red color.

Black Krims are perfect for eating fresh or in Caprese salads.

Hybrid Varieties

1. Early Girl This popular hybrid matures quickly, usually in about 50-60 days.

Early Girl tomatoes are medium-sized with a balanced sweet-acidic flavor.

They're great for gardeners in cooler climates with shorter growing seasons.

1. Better Boy Better Boy tomatoes are known for their disease resistance and high yield.

They produce large, red fruits with a classic tomato flavor.

These tomatoes are versatile and good for both fresh eating and cooking.

1. Big Beef As the name suggests, these are large beefsteak-type tomatoes.

They're resistant to many common tomato diseases.

Big Beef tomatoes have a rich, old-fashioned tomato flavor.

1. Sun Gold These cherry tomatoes are known for their incredibly sweet flavor.

They have a beautiful golden-orange color when ripe.

Sun Golds are perfect for snacking or adding to salads.

1. Roma VF Roma VF tomatoes are a popular paste variety.

They're oblong in shape and have fewer seeds than other types.

These tomatoes are ideal for making sauces, pastes, and ketchup.

Cherry Tomatoes

1. Sweet 100 This prolific variety produces clusters of small, sweet tomatoes.

Each plant can yield hundreds of fruits throughout the season.

Sweet 100s are great for snacking and adding to salads.

1. Black Cherry These small, dark tomatoes have a complex, sweet-tart flavor.

They're beautiful in salads and make an excellent garnish.

Black Cherry tomatoes are relatively easy to grow and produce well.

1. Yellow Pear As the name suggests, these tomatoes are small and pear-shaped.

They have a mild, sweet flavor and bright yellow color.

Yellow Pear tomatoes are great for adding color to salads and salsas.

1. Grape Tomatoes These small, oblong tomatoes are similar to cherry tomatoes but with a thicker skin.

They're sweet and less watery than other small tomatoes.

Grape tomatoes are perfect for snacking and hold up well in lunch boxes.

1. Juliet Juliet tomatoes are slightly larger than typical cherry tomatoes.

They're resistant to cracking and have a long shelf life.

These tomatoes are great for roasting or making into sauces.

Beefsteak Tomatoes

1. Beefmaster These large tomatoes can weigh up to 2 pounds each.

They have a classic tomato flavor and meaty texture.

Beefmaster tomatoes are perfect for sandwiches and burgers.

1. Big Boy Big Boy tomatoes are known for their size and flavor.

They're smooth, red, and can weigh up to a pound.

These tomatoes are great for slicing and using in sandwiches.

1. Striped German These large, bi-colored tomatoes have a marbled red and yellow appearance.

They have a complex, fruity flavor.

Striped German tomatoes are beautiful when sliced and used fresh.

1. Ponderosa Pink These large pink tomatoes can weigh up to 2 pounds.

They have a sweet, low-acid flavor.

Ponderosa Pink tomatoes are great for slicing or making into sauces.

1. Beef Carrot This unique variety has an orange-red color reminiscent of carrots.

They're large and meaty with a sweet flavor.

Beef Carrot tomatoes are excellent for fresh eating or cooking.

Paste Tomatoes

1. San Marzano These Italian plum tomatoes are prized for their flavor in sauces.

They have thick flesh and few seeds.

San Marzano tomatoes are the traditional choice for authentic Italian pasta sauce.

1. Amish Paste These large, red paste tomatoes originated with the Amish.

They're juicier than Roma tomatoes but still great for sauces and canning.

Amish Paste tomatoes also work well for fresh eating.

1. Opalka Opalka tomatoes are long and pepper-shaped.

They have very few seeds and a rich, sweet flavor.

These tomatoes are excellent for making sauces and pastes.

1. Jersey Devil These bright red tomatoes are long and pointed, almost like a banana pepper.

They have few seeds and a rich, full-bodied flavor.

Jersey Devil tomatoes are great for sauces and canning.

1. Polish Linguisa These sausage-shaped tomatoes are meaty with few seeds.

They have a sweet flavor and are great for processing.

Polish Linguisa tomatoes are excellent for making sauces and pastes.

Unique Colors

1. Indigo Rose These tomatoes have a striking purple-black color when ripe.

They're rich in anthocyanins, which give them their unique color.

Indigo Rose tomatoes have a balanced flavor and are beautiful in salads.

1. Lemon Boy These bright yellow tomatoes have a mild, sweet flavor.

They're low in acid, making them a good choice for those with sensitive stomachs.

Lemon Boy tomatoes add a beautiful pop of color to salads and salsas.

1. White Beauty These rare tomatoes are creamy white to pale yellow when ripe.

They have a mild, sweet flavor with low acidity.

White Beauty tomatoes are great for adding visual interest to dishes.

1. Black Prince These medium-sized tomatoes have a deep mahogany-brown color.

They have a rich, complex flavor with a hint of smokiness.

Black Prince tomatoes are excellent for eating fresh or cooking.

1. Great White These large, creamy-white tomatoes can weigh up to 2 pounds.

They have a sweet, fruity flavor with very low acidity.

Great White tomatoes are beautiful when sliced and used in sandwiches or salads.

Disease-Resistant Varieties

1. Mountain Magic This variety is resistant to early and late blight.

The fruits are small to medium-sized with a bright red color.

Mountain Magic tomatoes have a sweet flavor and are great for snacking.

1. Defiant PhR Defiant PhR is resistant to both early and late blight.

These medium-sized red tomatoes have a classic flavor.

They're great for gardeners in areas prone to tomato diseases.

1. Iron Lady This variety has resistance to early blight, late blight, and Septoria leaf spot.

The fruits are medium-sized and red with a good flavor.

Iron Lady tomatoes are perfect for gardeners looking for low-maintenance plants.

1. Jasper Jasper is a cherry tomato variety with high disease resistance.

The fruits are small, red, and sweet.

These tomatoes are great for container gardening and small spaces.

1. Plum Regal This plum tomato variety is resistant to late blight.

The fruits are medium-sized and great for sauces and canning.

Plum Regal tomatoes have a rich flavor and meaty texture.

Determinate Varieties

1. Bush Early Girl This is a compact version of the popular Early Girl variety.

The plants are bushy and don't require staking.

Bush Early Girl tomatoes are great for container gardening.

1. Roma Bush These determinate plants produce plum-type tomatoes.

The fruits are great for sauces and canning.

Roma Bush tomatoes are ideal for small gardens or containers.

1. Patio As the name suggests, these tomatoes are perfect for patios and small spaces.

The plants are compact and produce medium-sized fruits.

Patio tomatoes have a good flavor and are great for container gardening.

1. Celebrity Celebrity tomatoes are known for their reliability and good flavor.

The plants are semi-determinate and produce medium to large fruits.

These tomatoes are disease-resistant and good for both fresh eating and cooking.

1. Tumbler This cherry tomato variety is perfect for hanging baskets.

The plants have a cascading habit and produce sweet, small fruits.

Tumbler tomatoes are great for gardeners with limited space.

Indeterminate Varieties

1. Super Sweet 100 This improved version of Sweet 100 produces long clusters of cherry tomatoes.

The fruits are very sweet and great for snacking.

Super Sweet 100 plants can grow quite tall and need good support.

1. Sungold These golden cherry tomatoes are known for their exceptional sweetness.

The plants are vigorous and produce high yields.

Sungold tomatoes are a favorite among gardeners for their flavor.

1. Beefsteak This classic variety produces large, meaty fruits.

The tomatoes are great for slicing and using in sandwiches.

Beefsteak tomato plants can grow very tall and need strong support.

1. Cherokee Purple These heirloom tomatoes have a distinctive dusky purple-pink color.

They have a rich, complex flavor that's often described as "smoky".

Cherokee Purple plants are vigorous and can produce fruit until frost.

1. San Marzano These Italian plum tomatoes are prized for their flavor in sauces.

The plants are vigorous and produce high yields.

San Marzano tomatoes are the traditional choice for authentic Italian pasta sauce.

Cold-Tolerant Varieties

1. Siberian As the name suggests, this variety can tolerate cooler temperatures.

The fruits are small to medium-sized with a bright red color.

Siberian tomatoes are great for gardeners in northern climates.

1. Sub-Arctic Plenty This variety was developed to ripen in cool, short-season areas.

The fruits are small but flavorful.

Sub-Arctic Plenty tomatoes are ideal for gardeners in northern regions.

1. Northern Delight This early-maturing variety does well in cool climates.

The fruits are small to medium-sized with good flavor.

Northern Delight tomatoes are great for short-season areas.

1. Stupice This Czech heirloom variety is known for its cold tolerance.

The fruits are small to medium-sized with a balanced flavor.

Stupice tomatoes are great for cooler climates and early harvests.

1. Oregon Spring Developed at Oregon State University, this variety is suited to cool climates.

The fruits are medium-sized and flavorful.

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Heat-Tolerant Varieties

1. Solar Fire This variety was developed to set fruit even in high temperatures.

The fruits are medium-sized and have good flavor.

Solar Fire tomatoes are ideal for gardeners in hot climates.

1. Heat Wave II As the name suggests, this variety can tolerate extreme heat.

The fruits are medium-sized beefsteak types with good flavor.

Heat Wave II tomatoes are perfect for southern gardens.

1. Florida 91 This variety was developed for Florida's hot and humid climate.

The fruits are large and have good flavor.

Florida 91 tomatoes are great for gardeners in hot, humid regions.

1. Phoenix This heat-set variety produces fruit even when temperatures are high.

The fruits are medium-sized and have a good balance of sweetness and acidity.

Phoenix tomatoes are excellent for hot, dry climates.

1. Heatmaster This hybrid variety was bred for heat tolerance.

The fruits are medium to large with good flavor.

Heatmaster tomatoes are ideal for areas with long, hot summers.

Long-Keeping Varieties

1. Long Keeper These tomatoes can be stored for several months after harvesting.

The fruits are medium-sized and orange-red when fully ripe.

Long Keeper tomatoes are great for extending the harvest season.

1. Winter Pick This variety can be harvested green and stored for months.

The fruits will slowly ripen off the vine.

Winter Pick tomatoes are perfect for enjoying homegrown tomatoes in winter.

1. Garden Peach These small, yellow tomatoes have a slightly fuzzy skin like a peach.

They have a mild, sweet flavor and can be stored for several weeks.

Garden Peach tomatoes are great for winter salads.

1. Reverend Morrow's Long Keeper This heirloom variety can be stored for up to 6 months.

The fruits are medium-sized and have a tangy flavor.

Reverend Morrow's Long Keeper tomatoes are excellent for winter storage.

1. Golden Treasure These golden yellow tomatoes can be stored for several months.

The fruits are elongated and have a sweet flavor.

Golden Treasure tomatoes are great for winter eating and cooking.

Dwarf Varieties

1. Tiny Tim This miniature variety grows only 12-18 inches tall.

The fruits are cherry-sized and have good flavor.

Tiny Tim tomatoes are perfect for windowsills or small containers.

1. Micro Tom Believed to be the world's smallest tomato plant, growing only 6-8 inches tall.

The fruits are tiny but flavorful.

Micro Tom tomatoes are great for indoor growing or as novelty plants.

1. Red Robin This dwarf cherry tomato variety grows well in containers.

The plants are compact but produce a good yield of sweet fruits.

Red Robin tomatoes are ideal for balcony or patio gardens.

1. Florida Petite This dwarf variety was developed for container growing.

The plants are small but produce full-sized fruits.

Florida Petite tomatoes are great for small spaces or indoor growing.

1. Patio Princess This determinate dwarf variety is perfect for containers.

The fruits are medium-sized and have good flavor.

Patio Princess tomatoes are ideal for small gardens or balconies.

Unusual Shapes

1. Reisetomate Also known as "Traveler Tomato", this variety looks like a bunch of cherry tomatoes fused together.

The fruits can be easily separated into segments.

Reisetomate tomatoes are a conversation starter in any garden.

1. Spoon Tomato These tiny tomatoes are about the size of a pea and shaped like a spoon.

They have a sweet flavor and are great for snacking.

Spoon tomatoes are a fun addition to any tomato garden.

1. Yellow Stuffer These tomatoes are shaped like bell peppers and are hollow inside.

They're perfect for stuffing with salads or other fillings.

Yellow Stuffer tomatoes add a unique twist to tomato dishes.

1. Red Currant These tiny tomatoes are about the size of currants.

They grow in long clusters and have an intense, sweet flavor.

Red Currant tomatoes are great for snacking or as a garnish.

1. Banana Legs These elongated yellow tomatoes are shaped like small bananas.

They have a mild, sweet flavor and few seeds.

Banana Legs tomatoes are great for salads and fresh eating.

High-Yielding Varieties

1. Big Zac This hybrid variety is known for producing enormous fruits, some weighing over 6 pounds.

The tomatoes have good flavor despite their size.

Big Zac tomatoes are perfect for gardeners looking to grow giant tomatoes.

1. Fantastic This hybrid variety produces a high yield of medium to large fruits.

The tomatoes have good flavor and are crack-resistant.

Fantastic tomatoes are great for gardeners wanting a big harvest.

1. Super Fantastic An improved version of Fantastic, this variety produces even higher yields.

The fruits are large and have excellent flavor.

Super Fantastic tomatoes are ideal for gardeners who love to can or make sauces.

1. Big Beef This All-America Selections winner produces high yields of large beefsteak tomatoes.

The fruits have excellent flavor and disease resistance.

Big Beef tomatoes are great for gardeners wanting reliable, high yields.

1. Fourth of July This early-producing variety can yield ripe tomatoes by July 4th in many areas.

The fruits are small to medium-sized with good flavor.

Fourth of July tomatoes are perfect for gardeners wanting an early harvest.

Gourmet Varieties

1. Brandywine This Amish heirloom is renowned for its exceptional flavor.

The fruits are large, pink, and have a rich, complex taste.

Brandywine tomatoes are a favorite among tomato connoisseurs.

1. Paul Robeson Named after the famous singer, these tomatoes have a distinctive smoky flavor.

The fruits are medium-sized with a deep maroon color.

Paul Robeson tomatoes are prized for their unique taste.

1. Black Krim This Russian heirloom has a rich, slightly salty flavor.

The fruits are large with a dark red-purple color.

Black Krim tomatoes are excellent for salads and sandwiches.

1. Green Zebra These striped green tomatoes have a tangy, bright flavor.

The fruits are small to medium-sized and beautiful when sliced.

Green Zebra tomatoes are a favorite among chefs for their unique appearance and taste.

1. Aunt Ruby's German Green Despite being ripe when green, these tomatoes have a rich, sweet flavor.

The fruits are large beefsteak types with a slight yellow blush when ripe.

Aunt Ruby's German Green tomatoes are prized for their exceptional taste.

Container Varieties

1. Balcony This compact variety is perfect for growing in small spaces.

The plants produce cherry-sized fruits with good flavor.

Balcony tomatoes are ideal for apartment dwellers or those with limited garden space.

1. Window Box Roma This determinate variety is compact and perfect for container growing.

The fruits are small plum tomatoes, great for sauces and canning.

Window Box Roma tomatoes are excellent for small-space gardeners who like to preserve their harvest.

1. Totem This dwarf variety grows well in pots and hanging baskets.

The plants produce a good yield of small, flavorful fruits.

Totem tomatoes are perfect for patio or balcony gardens.

1. Tumbling Tom This cascading variety is perfect for hanging baskets.

The plants produce a heavy crop of sweet cherry tomatoes.

Tumbling Tom tomatoes come in both red and yellow varieties.

1. Bush Champion This compact variety produces large, beefsteak-type fruits.

The plants are determinate and don't require staking.

Bush Champion tomatoes are great for gardeners who want full-sized tomatoes in a small space.

Novelty Varieties

1. Blue Beauty These tomatoes have a unique bluish-purple color due to high anthocyanin content.

The fruits are medium-sized with a rich, sweet flavor.

Blue Beauty tomatoes are a striking addition to any garden.

1. Brad's Atomic Grape These elongated cherry tomatoes have a striking striped pattern.

The fruits change color as they ripen, from green with purple stripes to olive-green with red stripes.

Brad's Atomic Grape tomatoes have a complex, sweet flavor.

1. Pink Tiger These elongated cherry tomatoes have pink and orange stripes.

They have a sweet flavor and are crack-resistant.

Pink Tiger tomatoes are beautiful in salads or as a snack.

1. Chocolate Sprinkles These cherry tomatoes have a unique red color with dark green striping.

They have a rich, sweet flavor.

Chocolate Sprinkles tomatoes are a fun addition to any tomato garden.

1. Indigo Rose These tomatoes are almost black in color due to high anthocyanin content.

The fruits are small to medium-sized with a balanced flavor.

Indigo Rose tomatoes are beautiful and nutritious.

Late-Season Varieties

1. Amana Orange This heirloom variety produces large, orange beefsteak tomatoes.

The fruits have a sweet, tropical flavor.

Amana Orange tomatoes are worth the wait for their exceptional taste.

1. Hugh's This late-season variety produces large, red beefsteak tomatoes.

The fruits have excellent flavor and are great for slicing.

Hugh's tomatoes are perfect for extending the tomato season.

1. Hillbilly This heirloom variety produces large, multicolored fruits.

The tomatoes are sweet and low in acid.

Hillbilly tomatoes are beautiful when sliced, with a marbled yellow and red interior.

1. Costoluto Genovese This Italian heirloom produces deeply ribbed, flattened fruits.

The tomatoes have a strong, acidic flavor perfect for sauces.

Costoluto Genovese tomatoes are beautiful and delicious.

1. Red Oxheart These heart-shaped tomatoes can weigh up to a pound.

They have thick flesh with few seeds, making them great for processing.

Red Oxheart tomatoes are worth the wait for their unique shape and flavor.

Exotic Varieties

1. Aunt Lou's Underground Railroad This heirloom variety has an interesting history tied to the Underground Railroad.

The fruits are large, pink, and have excellent flavor.

Aunt Lou's Underground Railroad tomatoes are a piece of living history.

1. Thorburn's Terra Cotta These unique tomatoes have a terracotta-orange color.

The fruits are medium-sized with a complex, sweet flavor.

Thorburn's Terra Cotta tomatoes are a rare and beautiful variety.

1. Purple Calabash These deeply ruffled tomatoes have a purple-brown color.

They have a rich, wine-like flavor that's excellent for sauces.

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1. Velvet Red This unusual variety has fuzzy leaves and stems, similar to peach fuzz.

The fruits are small to medium-sized with a bright red color.

Velvet Red tomatoes have a unique appearance and good flavor.

1. Zapotec Pleated This Mexican heirloom variety produces large, heavily ribbed fruits.

The tomatoes are pink-red and have a sweet, mild flavor.

Zapotec Pleated tomatoes are beautiful and great for stuffing.

Conclusion

Exploring the world of tomato varieties is an adventure in color, flavor, and form. From the classic red slicers to the exotic striped and colored varieties, there's a tomato for every taste and purpose. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Heirloom varieties offer unique flavors and histories, but may be more challenging to grow.

2. Hybrid varieties often offer better disease resistance and higher yields.

3. Consider your climate when choosing varieties – some tomatoes are bred for heat tolerance, while others do better in cooler climates.

4. Think about how you'll use your tomatoes – paste varieties are great for sauces, while beefsteaks are perfect for sandwiches.

5. Don't be afraid to try something new – unusual colors or shapes can add interest to your garden and your plate.

Remember, the best tomato is often the one you grow yourself. There's nothing quite like the taste of a sun-warmed tomato picked fresh from your own garden. Whether you have acres of land or just a small balcony, there's a tomato variety that will work for your space and needs.

Happy growing!

FAQs

What's the easiest tomato variety to grow for beginners?

For beginners, I'd recommend starting with cherry tomatoes like 'Sun Gold' or 'Sweet 100'. They're generally more forgiving and produce a high yield, which can be very rewarding for new gardeners.

How do I choose between determinate and indeterminate tomato varieties?

Determinate varieties are bushy and produce all their fruit at once, making them good for small spaces or if you want to can your harvest. Indeterminate varieties grow taller and produce fruit throughout the season, which is great if you want a steady supply of fresh tomatoes.

Are heirloom tomatoes more difficult to grow than hybrid varieties?

Heirloom tomatoes can be more challenging to grow as they often lack the disease resistance bred into many hybrid varieties. However, many gardeners find the unique flavors and histories of heirlooms worth the extra effort.

What tomato varieties are best for making sauce?

Roma tomatoes and other paste varieties like 'San Marzano' or 'Amish Paste' are excellent for making sauces. They have meaty flesh and fewer seeds, which makes for a thicker sauce.

Can I grow tomatoes in containers?

Absolutely! Many varieties are well-suited to container growing. Look for determinate or dwarf varieties like 'Patio', 'Tiny Tim', or 'Tumbler' for the best results in containers.

By exploring these 100 tomato varieties, you've taken a big step in your tomato-growing journey. Remember, part of the fun of gardening is experimenting with different varieties to find your favorites. Don't be afraid to try something new each season – you might discover your new favorite tomato!