What kind of tomatoes do you put on a sandwich?

Introduction

Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, including sandwiches. When selecting tomatoes for a sandwich, there are a few key factors to consider – taste, texture, shape and size. The tomato variety you choose will impact the flavor and mouthfeel of your sandwich.

Some popular tomato options for sandwiches include:

Sliced Tomatoes

Sliced tomatoes are a classic choice for sandwiches. Tomato slices provide fresh, bright flavor and a juicy crunch. Popular slicer tomatoes include:

• Beefsteak – Large, meaty tomatoes with few seeds. Beefsteak slices hold up well on a sandwich.
• Heirloom – Sweet, complex flavor. Colorful varieties like Brandywine and Cherokee Purple.
• Roma – Oblong shape perfect for sandwich slices. Meatier texture with few seeds.

For even sandwich coverage, select tomatoes approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Sliced tomatoes pair well with cheeses, bacon, avocado and sandwich spreads.

Diced Tomatoes

Diced tomatoes add juicy bursts of flavor throughout a sandwich filling. Good options for dicing include:

• Cherry and grape tomatoes – Sweet, poppable small tomatoes that dice up nicely.
• Campari – Firm, juicy texture that dices well.
• Roma – Dense flesh dices into neat pieces.

Aim for a 1/4 inch dice. Diced tomatoes work great in chunky sandwiches like tuna salad, chicken salad and egg salad.

Tomato Spreads

Processed tomato spreads and sauces allow you to spread flavor evenly on sandwich bread. Tomato-based spreads include:

• Tomato paste – Thick, concentrated tomato flavor.
• Sun-dried tomato pesto – Intense tomato taste with nuts and herbs.
• Harissa – North African chile and tomato paste blend.
• Tapenade – Black olive and tomato spread.

These sauces pair well with heartier sandwich ingredients like meats, avocado and cheese. Spread tomato paste or harissa thinly, as a little goes a long way.

Dehydrated Tomatoes

Dehydrated tomatoes like sundried and oven-dried tomatoes pack an umami punch. They have a chewy, concentrated texture. Chop or blend into a paste to add rich tomato flavor to sandwiches like:

• Grilled cheese
• Paninis
• Focaccia
• Bruschetta

Aim for tomato pieces no bigger than 1/4 inch to allow them to rehydrate while eating.

Tomato Medleys

For a combo of flavors and textures, use a medley of tomato types like cherry tomatoes, sundried tomatoes and tomato paste. This works well in stacked sandwiches like:

• Caprese paninis with mozzarella and basil
• Vegetable subs
• Muffulettas with deli meats and olives

Mixing tomato varieties adds visual appeal as well.

Pickled Tomatoes

Pickled tomatoes add tangy flavor to sandwiches. Good options include:

• Green tomato pickles
• Pickled cherry tomatoes
• Giardiniera – Mixed pickled vegetables including tomatoes

A spoonful of briny tomato pickles balances rich meats like roast beef, pork and ham. Pickled tomatoes also complement cheese and egg sandwiches.

Factors in Selecting Tomatoes

When selecting tomatoes, consider these factors:

Flavor

Determine whether you want mild or bold tomato taste. Beefsteak and heirloom tomatoes offer more complex, sweet tomato flavor. Roma and cherry tomatoes tend to be more straightforward. For an umami punch, use sun-dried tomatoes.

Texture

Assess the texture you want. Juicy tomato slices have a fresh crunch while paste and dried tomatoes are more concentrated and soft. Pickled tomatoes offer crispy bursts.

Moisture Content

The sandwich style determines ideal moisture level. Drier tomatoes like Roma and sundried varieties are best for drippy sandwiches. Juicy tomatoes like heirlooms and cherry tomatoes work for closed paninis.

Shape and Size

The tomato shape impacts its use. Oblong Roma tomatoes are ideal for sandwich-width slices. Small grapes and cherries easily dice up for even distribution. Larger tomatoes like beefsteaks make impressive slices.

Versatility

Tomato medleys allow you to mix flavors and textures. A single tomato variety works best when that flavor dominates the sandwich.

Pairings

Certain tomatoes complement specific sandwich fillings. Pick tomatoes that match the overall flavor profile.

How to Store Tomatoes for Sandwiches

To keep tomatoes fresh for sandwiches:

• Leave tomatoes at room temperature until ready to use. Refrigeration dulls flavor.
• For longer storage, keep ripe tomatoes stem-side down to prevent moisture loss.
• Store cut tomatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Place tomato slices between paper towels to prevent sticking.
• Store sun-dried and pickled tomatoes in their brine to maintain texture.

Wash tomatoes just before use – moisture speeds spoilage. Cut off any bruised or damaged areas.

Sandwich Recipes with Tomatoes

Here are some tasty sandwich recipes highlighting different types of tomatoes:

Caprese Grilled Cheese with Sliced Tomatoes

• Thick slices of beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella
• Basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Sliced artisanal bread
• Butter or olive oil for frying

Layer tomato, cheese and basil between bread slices. Fry in butter or olive oil until crispy and golden brown. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and slice to serve.

Harissa Chicken Salad with Diced Tomatoes

• Shredded chicken
• Diced Campari or grape tomatoes
• Diced cucumber
• Chopped parsley
• Harissa
• Mayonnaise
• Bibb lettuce
• Pita bread

Mix together chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley, harissa and mayo. Scoop chicken salad into lettuce-lined pita pockets.

Roasted Veggie Focaccia with Sundried Tomatoes

• Assorted roasted vegetables like zucchini, peppers and onions
• Chopped sundried tomatoes
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Chopped kalamata olives
• Focaccia bread
• Olive oil

Top focaccia with roasted veggies, sundried tomatoes, feta and olives. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until warm. Slice to serve.

Italian Sub with Tomato Medley

• Deli meats like salami, ham and pepperoni
• Sliced provolone cheese
• Thinly sliced onions
• Roma tomato slices
• Cherry tomatoes
• Chopped sundried tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Sub roll
• Red wine vinegar
• Olive oil

Layer meats, cheese, onions and tomatoes on a sub roll. Drizzle with vinegar, olive oil and tomato paste.

Choosing Tomatoes for Sandwiches

Tomatoes are a versatile sandwich ingredient that comes in many forms. Consider the tomato’s flavor, texture, shape and pairing ability when selecting a type. Sliced, diced and spread tomatoes all make great additions. Mix tomato varieties for extra appeal. Store properly to maintain freshness. With so many tomato options for sandwiches, you can create endless delicious combinations!

Conclusion

In summary, the type of tomato you choose for a sandwich impacts flavor, texture, moistness and more. Sliced tomatoes like beefsteak and heirloom have a fresh crunch. Diced Roma and grape tomatoes distribute flavor throughout the filling. Tomato spreads evenly coat bread, while sun-dried tomatoes pack an umami punch. You can also pickle or medley tomatoes for tang and variety. Store tomatoes properly, washed and uncut until use. Consider the sandwich style and ingredients when selecting tomatoes. With so many options, get creative with tomato varieties to craft your perfect sandwich!