Discover the World of Saladette and Cocktail Tomatoes for Restaurants and Gardeners
When it comes to tomatoes, restaurants have been showing a lot of interest in the size up from cherry tomatoes. They are often referred to as “saladettes” or “cocktail” tomatoes. What do you call them? And what are your favorite tomatoes in this size class?
Last year, many saladette boxes were filled with three different types of tomatoes: Bellota, Fuego Verde and a little red hybrid with yellow stripes. Bellota was an orange/green football shaped variety that was consistently saladette for most of the season, and cherry sized at the very end. Fuego Verde was a plum-shaped green-when-ripe variety that mostly had larger than saladette fruits early in the season, then became more saladette near the end. The little red hybrid was surprisingly productive and round in shape.
For those who love saladettes, Blush is a great option. Bulgarian Triumph and Moravsky Div are also good options for an "early". KARMA Pink is always Saladette size to me; never smaller than a ping pong ball - another favorite. SunChocola is a very large cherry but still a cherry. Bullet shaped ones like Maglia Rosa (which can be larger) and Brad's Atomic Grape (which takes longer to ripen) are their own category.
It is interesting to note why restaurants prefer saladette/cocktail tomatoes over cherries. It could be because they provide more color on the plate or require less time to slice them. Gardeners may classify round tomatoes by weight or diameter, while visual size works best for gardeners.
No matter what type of tomato you prefer, there is something for everyone! Whether it is small cherries with lots of seeds and gel or bigger cherries that taste more like full-size tomatoes, there is sure to be something out there for you. So take some time and explore all the different varieties available and find one that suits your needs perfectly!
What is the size of a saladette?
Saladettes are the next size up from cherry tomatoes, usually around golf ball size or bigger.
What do people call them?
People may call them "saladettes" or "cocktail".
What are some favorite tomatoes in this size class?
Bellota, Fuego Verde, and a little red hybrid with yellow stripes are all popular saladette tomatoes. Blush, Bulgarian Triumph, Moravsky Div, KARMA Pink, SunChocola, Maglia Rosa, and Brad's Atomic Grape are also favorites.
Why are restaurants interested in saladette tomatoes?
Restaurants may be interested in saladette tomatoes because they provide more color on a plate than smaller cherry tomatoes, and require less time to prepare since there are fewer to slice.
What colors are popular for saladettes?
Black plumb and lime green salad are popular colors for saladettes.
Are cherry tomatoes popular?
Cherry tomatoes can be popular depending on the person. Some people prefer the meaty texture and taste of larger cherries while others like small cherries with lots of seeds and gel.
What are some of the benefits of using saladette tomatoes?
Saladette tomatoes can be used to add color and texture to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. They also require less time to prepare than larger tomatoes since there are fewer to slice.
Are there any health benefits associated with eating saladette tomatoes?
Yes, saladette tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. They also contain lycopene, which is an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
What is the best way to store saladette tomatoes?
Saladette tomatoes should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It's best to use them within a few days of purchase for optimal flavor and freshness.
How do you prepare saladette tomatoes?
Saladette tomatoes can be prepared in a variety of ways. They can be sliced and added to salads or sandwiches, roasted or grilled, or even eaten raw as a snack.