Region of Origin
Commodity:
Slicer Tomato
Description & Origin
Slicer tomato is a catch-all name for consistent, medium to large, round tomatoes with a good balance of juiciness and meatiness that are ideal for slicing and dicing. Slicer tomatoes that are field grown are often picked underripe and allowed to slowly ripen after harvest to extend their shelf life, but greenhouse grown slicers are usually harvested at full or near-full ripeness. Red is the most ...
Other Names
Round Tomatoes
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Slicer tomatoes contain the same vitamins and minerals as other tomatoes. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin A. Tomatoes are famous for their high content of lycopene, a carotenoid with antioxidant properties that has been studied for its link to a lower risk of some cancers.
Our Varieties
Tomato Slicer Beefsteak Red
Example Cultivars
Big Beef, Ducovery, Inspired, Jamestown, Kivu RZ F1, Tycoon
Description
Beefsteak tomatoes are the largest variety of slicer tomato, often weighing in at over a pound. They are usually produced in a greenhouse environment for commercial markets, but can also be field grown. Unlike most other slicers, beefsteaks are often so large that they appear slightly squat and sometimes even lobed, rather than perfectly round. The vibrant red variety is most known among the beefsteak cultivars. Their flesh is very meaty with small pockets of gel. They taste like a traditional tomato with a wonderful balance of acid, sweet, and sour.
Variety Tips & Tricks
This variety is arguably the most popular variety of slicer in the US, where bigger is often seen as better. The large size of beefsteak tomatoes does make them an excellent choice for sandwiches, as their large size can mean extra coverage and slices that stay put. Their flesh is often meatier than other slicers, which is beneficial for applications where a firmer slice with less juiciness is desired.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Tomato Slicer Green
AKA: Green Beefsteak
Description
Green slicers are unripe tomatoes, picked at the mature green stage before they have begun to ripen. They are extremely firm and crisp with light green skin and green flesh all the way through the center. They have almost no juiciness or gel. Signs of pink, externally or internally, mean that the tomato has begun to ripen, but tomatoes picked at this stage will likely never fully ripen, even if allowed to turn. Green, unripe tomatoes have not yet developed sugars, so their flavor is very tart and tangy.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Green tomatoes are a classic Southern staple when breaded and fried. They are also popular pickled, fermented, or made into relishes, such as chow chow. They are also used in a few traditional Indian recipes. Keep in mind that green tomatoes should be stored warmer than fully ripe tomatoes, but they will begin to ripen if stored too warm, or exposed to ethylene-producing items like bananas or apples. Use as soon as possible to prevent unwanted ripening.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Tomato Slicer On-the-Vine
AKA: Vine Tomatoes
Description
As their name implies, on the tomatoes on-the-vine are meticulously harvested with the vine intact and attached. They are grown in a controlled greenhouse environment to ensure a consistent, harvestable product. Importantly, vine tomatoes are allowed to reach full maturity on the plant, rather than harvested at partial maturity and left to ripen after harvest. This makes for a sweeter tomato with tender, thin skin.
Variety Tips & Tricks
On-the-vine tomatoes are one of the most popular tomatoes in the US thanks to their farmers market-like appearance, tender texture, juiciness, and sweet flavor. They are most often used as a salad or cooking tomato, but can also make an excellent slicing tomato for sandwiches – although they are juicier than a beefsteak and may contribute to soggy bread if the sandwich is stored.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Tomato Slicer Yellow
Description
Yellow slicer tomatoes are a medium-sized tomato with vibrant golden yellow skin and flesh at full maturity. Their texture is juicy with large pockets of gel, much like a red slicer or tomato on-the-vine. Yellow tomatoes tend to be less acidic than red tomatoes, making them taste sweeter and fruitier.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Yellow tomatoes are a great way to add a splash of unexpected color to salads or sandwiches. They also make delicious sweet, round sauces that have less acidity than your typical tomato sauce.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Slicer tomatoes are the workhorse of the kitchen and can be used in just about any application calling for tomato. They are the most common variety used for sandwiches, thanks to their size, consistency, and texture. Cut into wedges they are at home on any green salad. Sliced they are an essential part of the classic Italian caprese salad. While they are not the ideal sauce tomato, they work well in salsas, curries, stews, soups, and tempering.
Flavor Pairings
Garlic, Onion, Lettuce, Arugula, Avocado, Bell Pepper, Corn, Summer Squash, Eggplant, Mushroom, Peach, Pineapple, Basil, Mint, Cilantro, Oregano, Hazelnut, Olive Oil, Vinegar, Pasta, Egg, Ricotta, Mozzarella, Poultry, Seafood, Beef
How to Prepare
Gently wash tomatoes with cold water prior to use. Use a serrated knife to cut tomatoes to avoid crushing while cutting.
How to Store in the Kitchen
Firm or green slicer tomatoes should be stored in a dark area at room temperature in a well-ventilated container or bowl. Avoid placing in direct sunlight. Once fully ripe, slicer tomatoes can be stored in the warmest area of the refrigerator to slightly extend usable life. To speed ripening, tomatoes can be placed in a paper bag with a banana and held at room temperature.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
Slicer tomatoes are excellent for making salsas and other items that can be preserved for future use when refrigerated or canned.
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
41-50°F Green: 55-60°F Firm Ripe: 50-55°F Fully Ripe: 44-50°F for 3-5 days
RECOMMENDED TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
40-54°F (Cool Storage); 55-60°F (Warm Storage)
SUBJECT TO CHILLING INJURY:
Yes - storage at temperatures below 41°F may cause chilling injury. Yes–Tomatoes are extremely susceptible to chilling injury. Exposure to temperatures below 50°F will impact color, texture, and flavor and increase rates of decay.
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
85% - 90%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
Yes- Moderate
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE
Yes- High
ETHYLENE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Do not store near ethylene producing items, as it may result in discoloration and reduced shelf life of the squash. Mature green tomatoes are sometimes treated with ethylene gas to initiate ripening. If ripening is not desired, avoid exposure to any ethylene producing product, particularly for green tomatoes.
RIPENS AFTER HARVEST
Yes
PROFESSIONAL RIPENING RECONMMENDED
No- Ripening is not required under most conditions.
Quality Assessment
Slicer tomatoes should be uniform in shape and size throughout the case. The tomatoes should be firm and heavy with smooth, blemish-free skin. Fruits should be free from bruising, cracking, and sunburn.
Important Handling
Tomatoes are extremely sensitive to storage conditions. They require specific temperatures and good air flow between each fruit. The less mature the tomato, the most sensitive they are to cold temperatures. It is essential that green tomatoes are not exposed to temperatures below 55°F, which can destroy texture and flavor, or ethylene gas, which can trigger ripening almost immediately. As tomatoes ripen, they can be stored at slightly lower temperatures, but they also become more susceptible to bruising if handled roughly. Treat gently and store with care.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on the variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, slicer tomatoes may last up to 10 days.