Many people are put off by heirloom tomatoes because of their odd shapes, inconsistent colour, and general lack of aesthetic appeal. However, heirloom tomatoes are just regular tomatoes.
They are naturally grown tomatoes that have not been genetically modified like the uniform tomatoes you see in the modern supermarket.
But, their popularity is growing and they’re now gaining a price tag that makes them hard to buy and that’s when you can find them! So, what swaps can you use instead?
Our 5 Substitutes for Heirloom Tomatoes
Though modern tomatoes are more pleasing to the eye, the flavour has been sacrificed to make room for aesthetics.
But with heirloom tomatoes, their natural goodness has remained the same for centuries. They taste much more healthy and refreshing.
Here are our top 5 substitutes for heirloom tomatoes:
1) Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are a staple in any lunch box and afternoon picnic. They are small, round and the perfect snacking size.
Many people enjoy cutting up heirloom tomatoes and snacking on them because of their deliciously fresh flavour. Cherry tomatoes deliver the same kind of experience but at a more manageable size.
Their smaller size does mean that they are not as sweet as heirloom tomatoes, partly because they have been modified to grow perfectly round.
Because they are one of the sweetest and most refreshing tomatoes (aside from heirloom tomatoes), they are the closest you will be able to get flavour wise.
Remove the Tartness
They may only be a little less sweet than heirloom tomatoes, but that difference is filled with a slight tartness. Add a drizzle of honey to balance this tartness.
2) Roma Tomatoes
If you tend to pick up the first decently sized tomato that you see, the chances are that you have chosen a roma tomato. They are the most commonly used fresh tomato in the UK and cost next to nothing.
Roma tomatoes have been engineered to grow tougher skin than heirloom tomatoes to minimize the damage done to the product during shipping.
The texture of this thicker skin can be off-putting to some people, but it will make it easier to chop up and prepare as it offers a more stable surface.
Some farms specifically grow roma tomatoes for their customers using them in a pasta sauce. They are juicy enough to give a rich tomato flavour but sturdy enough to not make the sauce too watery.
Can You Eat Roma Tomatoes Raw?
Due to their thicker, tougher skin, roma tomatoes are not that pleasant to eat raw.
3) Beefsteak Tomatoes
You have probably seen beefsteak tomatoes in your local supermarket but dismissed them as being too big for your needs.
They are the biggest variety of commercial tomatoes, full of juice and flavour with a vibrant colour to match their loud aesthetics.
Beefsteak tomatoes are best used as a sandwich filler. Each slice will probably be big enough to cover the whole of your sandwich and then some.
You can use beefsteak tomatoes for cooking, too. However, because they are much juicier than heirloom tomatoes, they will add more moisture to your dish.
Reduce Moisture With Large Tomatoes
To deal with the extra moisture that beefsteak tomatoes will produce when cooked, allow your sauce to simmer for longer or add a thickening agent such as corn starch to your dish.
4) Vine Tomatoes
Perhaps the most flavourful tomatoes, on the vine tomatoes are sold while still attached to the vine.
They may not always be the tomato of choice for some people as the added vine usually means a price increase. However, on the vine tomatoes will produce a very natural flavour much like heirloom tomatoes even though they have been modified.
The vine locks in all of the tomato’s flavour until they are ready to be cooked, allowing the tomatoes to keep their fresher taste for longer.
Can You Cook Tomatoes with the Vine Attached?
The best way to use vine tomatoes is to cook them with the vine still attached so that the tomato’s flavour is preserved for as long as possible. The vines are also packed full of flavour. Don’t eat them, however!
5) Green Tomatoes
Green tomatoes are just as hard to find in the supermarket as heirloom tomatoes, but they are easy to grow at home.
They are simply tomatoes that are sold while still under-ripe. This means that the tomatoes have not had the time to develop a sweetness, taking on a tarter flavour instead.
Green tomatoes are also a lot firmer and less juicy than heirloom tomatoes as they are picked before they can soften up in maturity.
Though their flavour may be different, green tomatoes work as an heirloom substitution when you need more stability in your recipes. For example, if making fried tomatoes or a thick tomato sauce, then they will work great.
When Do You Harvest Green Tomatoes?
If you are growing your own tomatoes at home, you should wait until they have reached their mature green stage. The tomatoes will brighten up from a darker green to a lighter green just before turning red. This is the best time to harvest them.
Other Substitutes for Heirloom Tomatoes
For those times when you don’t have any fresh produce to hand but still want the same strong tomato flavour of an heirloom tomato, here are a few pantry-friendly substitutes:
- Canned Tomatoes – Commonly used as a base for a basic pasta sauce, canned tomatoes will not be as fresh as heirloom tomatoes but will give a very prominent tomato flavour.
- Tomato Paste – You should only use this when making a hot dish. Tomato paste is extremely concentrated, so only use a small amount.
Summary
Heirloom tomatoes do not fit the aesthetic of a modern tomato, so many supermarkets don’t often supply them. But there are plenty of other fresh tomato varieties that can get close to the natural heirloom tomato flavour.