Produce Briefs...
Currant Red Berries
Red currants are tart but can be eaten fresh, cooked or dried. Add fresh red currants to cornmeal pancake batter or cook currants with sugar and water until the mixture has thickened and use as a syrup.
Pea Tendrils
These delicate vines have a distinctive and robust flavor that tastes like a cross between sweet peas and spinach.
Seasons/Availability
Roma tomatoes are available year round.
Current Facts
Tomatoes are members of the Solanacea or nightshade family along with the potato, eggplant and tobacco. Today a variety of different roma tomatoes bred specifically to be disease resistant and durable make up the bulk of tomatoes used in processed tomato products such as ketchup, soup, tomato paste and sauce.
Description/Taste
Roma Tomatoes are an Italian variety plum tomato. They are red in color, smooth skinned and oval to pear in shape. Low in both acid and sugar they have a mild tomato flavor with a subtle sweetness that is amplified when cooked. With very few seeds Roma tomatoes have a thick and meaty flesh that holds up well in both cooked and raw tomato preparations.
Nutritional Value
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E and K. They are also low in fat and calories and high in potassium, folate and fiber. Studies have shown that a diet rich in tomatoes can help prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing LDL Cholesterol and lowering both blood pressure and inflammation. Tomatoes contain the powerful antioxidant lycopene, which has been shown to protect against many different types of cancer most notably prostate. The lycopene in tomatoes, particularly cooked tomatoes, helps prevent and reduce the progression of prostate cancer. Tomatoes are also now being studied for their ability to protect the skin from the UV rays of the sun.
Applications
Since their debut in the 1950's roma tomatoes have been one of the most popular sauce, paste and soup tomatoes. In the past few decades they have become increasingly popular for use in both cooked and raw preparations. Roma tomatoes can be slow roasted, dried, stuffed and baked or sliced and added to stews, soups and sauces. Their meaty flesh makes them perfect for chopped salads and salsas. They pair well with onion, chilies, beans, shrimp, basil, cilantro and zucchini.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Roma tomatoes were originally most sought after in the United States for use in sauces, ketchup, soups and tomato paste.
Geography/History
Wild tomatoes originally grew in the Andes Mountains of South America. It is believed that through migration of indigenous people northward tomatoes eventually made their way to Mexico where they were first cultivated. The roma tomato did not come on the market until the 1950’s when researchers were attempting to breed a tomato that would be smooth skinned, resistant to common tomato plant diseases and have a consistency that would make it ideal for processed tomato preparations. By breeding the Pan American tomato with a San Marzano and then cross breeding their offspring with a Red Top tomato the Roma Tomato was created.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
the other 119...
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Roma Tomatoes. One
is easiest, three is harder.
Roma tomatoes are available year round.
Current Facts
Tomatoes are members of the Solanacea or nightshade family along with the potato, eggplant and tobacco. Today a variety of different roma tomatoes bred specifically to be disease resistant and durable make up the bulk of tomatoes used in processed tomato products such as ketchup, soup, tomato paste and sauce.
Description/Taste
Roma Tomatoes are an Italian variety plum tomato. They are red in color, smooth skinned and oval to pear in shape. Low in both acid and sugar they have a mild tomato flavor with a subtle sweetness that is amplified when cooked. With very few seeds Roma tomatoes have a thick and meaty flesh that holds up well in both cooked and raw tomato preparations.
Nutritional Value
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E and K. They are also low in fat and calories and high in potassium, folate and fiber. Studies have shown that a diet rich in tomatoes can help prevent cardiovascular disease by reducing LDL Cholesterol and lowering both blood pressure and inflammation. Tomatoes contain the powerful antioxidant lycopene, which has been shown to protect against many different types of cancer most notably prostate. The lycopene in tomatoes, particularly cooked tomatoes, helps prevent and reduce the progression of prostate cancer. Tomatoes are also now being studied for their ability to protect the skin from the UV rays of the sun.
Applications
Since their debut in the 1950's roma tomatoes have been one of the most popular sauce, paste and soup tomatoes. In the past few decades they have become increasingly popular for use in both cooked and raw preparations. Roma tomatoes can be slow roasted, dried, stuffed and baked or sliced and added to stews, soups and sauces. Their meaty flesh makes them perfect for chopped salads and salsas. They pair well with onion, chilies, beans, shrimp, basil, cilantro and zucchini.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Roma tomatoes were originally most sought after in the United States for use in sauces, ketchup, soups and tomato paste.
Geography/History
Wild tomatoes originally grew in the Andes Mountains of South America. It is believed that through migration of indigenous people northward tomatoes eventually made their way to Mexico where they were first cultivated. The roma tomato did not come on the market until the 1950’s when researchers were attempting to breed a tomato that would be smooth skinned, resistant to common tomato plant diseases and have a consistency that would make it ideal for processed tomato preparations. By breeding the Pan American tomato with a San Marzano and then cross breeding their offspring with a Red Top tomato the Roma Tomato was created.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Parioli Italian Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-755-2525 |
| Bertrand at Mr A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Bo Beau Kitchen & Bar | San Diego CA | 619-224-2884 |
| Tom Hams Light House | San Diego CA | 619-291-9110 |
| Chula Vista Yacht Club | Chula Vista CA | 619-422-7888 |
| Conchettas | San Diego CA | 858-254-4630 |
| Puesto | Country Club CA | 858-775-2289 |
| Market Restaurant and Bar | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0007 |
| Hash House A Go Go | San Diego CA | 619-298-4646 |
| Bistro West | Carlsbad CA | 760-431-9195 |
| Claire's on Cedros | Solana Beach CA | 858-259-8597 |
| Handlery Hotel & Resort | San Diego CA | 619-298-0511 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| Offshore Sports Grill | San Diego CA | 619-276-2253 |
| Knotty Barrel | San Diego CA | 619-269-7156 |
| The Original Sand Crab Tavern Inc. | Escondido CA | 760-480-2722 |
| Harney Sushi Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-295-3272 |
| Croces | San Diego CA | 619-233-4355 |
| Fox Sports Grill | San Diego CA | 619-231-9000 |
| Estancia La Jolla Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Inn at Rancho Sante Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1131 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Pier 32 Water Front Grill | National City CA | 619-718-6240 |
| Shimbashi Izakaya | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0479 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-436-5236 |
| Capri Blu | San Diego CA | 858-673-5100 |
| Ignite Wood Fire Bar & Grill | Carlsbad CA | 619-849-0811 |
| Sbicca | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1001 |
| Prepkitchen La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-875-7737 |
| Vagabond | San Diego CA | 619-255-1035 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Avenue 5 | San Diego CA | 619-542-0394 |
| Cucina Urbana | San Diego CA | 619-239-2222 |
| La Villa | San Diego CA | 619 255 5544 |
| Jimmy Love's | San Diego CA | 619-595-0123 |
| Paradise Point Resort Baleen | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| La Valencia | San Diego CA | 858-551-3750 |
| Bernardo Heights Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-487-4022 |
| Wet Stone Winebar and Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-255-2856 |
| Wine Steals Point Loma | San Diego CA | 619-221-1959 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Salad Style | San Diego CA | 619-255-6731 |
| Azul La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-454-9677 |
| Martinis above Fourth | San Diego CA | 619-400-4500 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Toast Catering | La Mesa CA | 619-464-0201 |
| The Fantail Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-398-8258 |
| Georges on Fifth | San Diego CA | 619-702-0444 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Cafe Chloe | San Diego CA | 619-232-3242 |
| Ads 4 Dough (Coleadium, Inc.) | Carlsbad CA | 760-888-0229 |
| Miguel's Cocina Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2401 |
| Prepkitchen Little Italy | San Diego CA | 619-247-0394 |
| The Crossings | Carlsbad CA | 760-444-1800 |
| Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Cozymels | San Diego CA | 858-658-0480 |
| Gordon Biersch | San Diego CA | 619-688-1120 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Blue Point / Coastal Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619-233-6623 |
| The Keating Lounge and Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-814-5700 |
| All American Grill | San Diego CA | 619-296-9600 |
| Paradise Point Resort Barefoot | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Poseidon | Del Mar CA | 858-755-9345 |
| Red Light District | San Diego CA | 619-255-2800 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Pacific Cafe & Catering | San Diego CA | 858-350-2700 |
| Anthology | San Diego CA | 619-595-0300 |
| Inn at the Park | San Diego CA | 619-296-0057 |
| Muzita Abyssinian Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-9510 |
| Hard Rock Hotel Main Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-702-3000 |
| Alexander's on 30 th | San Diego CA | 619-281-2539 |
| Empire House Urban Palate | San Diego CA | 619-278-8175 |
| Chart House Restaurant Cardiff | Cardiff-by-the-Sea CA | 760-436-4044 |
| Analog | San Diego CA | 619-233-1183 |
| Guava Beach Bar & Grill | San Diego CA | 858-488-6688 |
| Villa Capri Cucina Italiana | San Diego CA | 858-720-8777 |
| Kensington Grill | San Diego CA | 619-281-4014 |
| Nine - Ten | San Diego CA | 858-964-5400 |
| Baja Betty's | San Diego CA | 619-269-8510 |
| Donovan's Prime Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-906-4850 |
| Come On In Sorento Valley | San Diego CA | 858-558-8964 |
| Eddie V's La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-5500 |
| Convention Center East | San Diego CA | 619-525-5832 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Stone Flats Scripps Ranch | San Diego CA | 858-444-2280 |
| Delicia's | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-8000 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| The Compass | Carlsbad CA | 760-419-8343 |
| Fibonaccis | San Diego CA | 858-677-9974 |
| Union Kitchen & Tap | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2337 |
| Waters Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Fidel's Little Mexico Solana Beach | Solana Beach CA | 858-755-5292 |
| The Oceanaire Seafood Room | San Diego CA | 619-858-2277 |
| Boat House Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0155 |
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| San Diego Culinary Institute Inc. | La Mesa CA | 619-644-2100 |
| Mimmos Italian Village | San Diego CA | 619-239-3710 |
| Relm Wine Beer Bistro | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-9463 |
| Finch's Wine Bar & Bistro | La Jolla CA | 858-456-4056 |
| Table 926 | San Diego CA | 858-539-0926 |
| La Costa Blue Fire | Carlsbad CA | 760-930-7063 |
| Maderas Golf Club | Poway CA | 858-451-8100 |
| Third Corner Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 619-417-9251 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Marriott Courtyard (Faz) | San Diego CA | 619-446-3008 |
| Pantry in Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1221 |
| Sapori | Coronado CA | 619-319-5696 |
| Tartine | Coronado CA | 619-435-4323 |
| Fish 101 | Encinitas CA | 415-308-5572 |
| Marine Room | San Diego CA | 858-551-4676 |
| Dolce Pane & Vino | Del Mar CA | 858-832-1518 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| Barbarella | San Diego CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Prado at Balboa Park | San Diego CA | 619-744-3732 |
| Red Door Restaurant & Wine Bar | San Diego CA | 619-295-6000 |
| Truluck's Seafood Steak and Crab House | San Diego CA | 858-453-2583 |
| Enoteca Style | San Diego CA | 619-546-7138 |
| Twisted Vine | San Diego CA | 858-790-2501 |
| Urban Plates Del Mar | San Diego CA | 760-632-8431 |
| Blue Pearl | San Diego CA | 619-222-4198 |
| Trattoria I Trulli | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6800 |
| Ki's Kitchen Commissary | Carlsbad CA | 760-438-8606 |
| Buon Appetito | San Diego CA | 619-238-9880 |
| Great News Cooking School | San Diego CA | 888-478-2433 |
| Wine Steals Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 619-846-4903 |
| Kensington Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-640-0494 |
| Dinners by David Inc. | San Diego CA | 619-518-3935 |
| Jayne's Gastropub | San Diego CA | 619-925-5703 |
| Carolines Seaside Cafe | La Jolla CA | 858-202-0569 |
| Bankers Hill Restaurant and Bar | San Diego CA | 619-231-0222 |
| Roy's La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-455-1616 |
| Villa Capri 2 Family Style Trattoria | San Diego CA | 858-538-5884 |
| Cork and Platter | San Diego CA | 619-253-8311 |
| Fat Fish Cantina Grill | San Diego CA | 858-490-2877 |
| Cosmopolitan Restaurant & Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-297-1874 |
| Carnitas Snack Shack | San Diego CA | 619-294-7675 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| The Bristol Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-784-6835 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Roma Tomatoes. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Gourmet Traveller |
|
Vanilla Panna Cotta with Tomato + Passion Fruit Syrup |
