These universal vegetables are actually a fruit. They are grown in hundreds of varieties in colors from green to yellow to bright red. Basic types include small, round cherry tomatoes, oblong plum tomatoes, and large standard tomatoes (all of which are available in various colors). All have smooth, juicy skin, juicy flesh, and small edible seeds. Most tomatoes grown commercially are picked un-ripened and allowed to ripen in transit (though many chefs prefer to find locally grown varieties that are ripened on the vine). There has been a recent surge in demand for heirloom species such as the Cherokee purple and green zebra. Select brightly colored tomatoes that are free from dark spots and blemishes. They should be heavy for their size but not overly firm. Tomatoes should not be refrigerated because the cold makes the texture mushy and seizes the flavor and halts ripening. Tomatoes may be purchased in numerous forms including canned sun dried, pureed, paste, and diced.

	Standard (beefsteak) tomatoes are large and round or oval with deep red or yellow skin. They are juicy and sweet. They can be used raw in salads and sandwiches or cooked in sauces, braises, and stews.
	Plum (Italian plum or Roma) tomatoes are medium size and egg shaped with red or yellow skin. They have a greater proportion of flesh. They are sweet. They are used in sauces, purees, soups, and other cooked dishes. They can also be oven roasted.
	Cherry tomatoes are small (1 inch in diameter) and round with red or yellow skin. They are juicy and sweet. They can be eaten raw in salads and crudité platters.
	Currant (cranberry) tomatoes are very small (1/2 to ¾ inch in diameter) and round with deep or yellow skin. They are crisp and sweet. They can be found raw as a specialty item in salads.
	Pear tomatoes are small and pear shaped with red or yellow skin. They are juicy and sweet. The can be used raw in salads and crudité platters.
	Heirloom (Brandywine, marvel striped, purple calabash) tomatoes range in size and color from small green striped to large pinkish purple. They are beautiful and usually oddly shaped. They are juicy and sweet. They are used raw in salads or cooked in soups and sauces.
	Tomatillos are medium sized (1 to 2 inched in diameter) and round with green or purple skin inside brown, papery husk. They are firm with a tart, fruity flavor. They are used raw in salads and salsas or cooked in sauces. They are popular in Mexican and Southwestern cuisines.