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Campari tomato

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What Are Campari Tomatoes?

Campari tomatoes are a hybrid variety known for their sweet flavor, low acidity, and vibrant red color. These golf ball-sized tomatoes occupy the perfect middle ground between cherry tomatoes and regular tomatoes, making them incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Their firm texture and juicy interior have earned them the nickname “tomato candy” among culinary enthusiasts. Professional chefs and home cooks alike value these tomatoes for their consistent quality and flavor, regardless of season.

Origin and Characteristics

Originally developed in the Netherlands, Campari tomatoes are now grown worldwide in greenhouses, ensuring year-round availability. They were created to provide consumers with a consistently flavorful tomato option, even during winter months when traditional tomatoes often lack taste. They’re characterized by:

• Deep red color that indicates their ripeness
• Uniform size (about 1-2 inches in diameter), perfect for consistent cooking results
• Firm, meaty texture that holds up well in cooking
• Sweet, low-acid flavor profile that appeals even to those who typically find tomatoes too acidic
• Fewer seeds than regular tomatoes, providing more edible flesh
• Extended shelf life compared to other premium tomato varieties
• Grown hydroponically in many commercial operations
• Harvested when fully ripe, unlike conventional tomatoes that ripen during shipping

The careful growing conditions for Campari tomatoes contribute significantly to their superior taste. Unlike field tomatoes that must withstand mechanical harvesting and long transportation times, Campari tomatoes are often hand-picked and carefully packaged to preserve their quality.

Popular Recipes Featuring Campari Tomatoes

Campari Tomato Bruschetta

This classic Italian appetizer showcases the natural sweetness of Campari tomatoes:

1. Dice 10-12 Campari tomatoes and mix with 2 cloves minced garlic, ¼ cup fresh basil (chiffonade), 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3. Let mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld
4. Spoon onto toasted baguette slices brushed with olive oil and rubbed with a garlic clove
5. Optionally top with shaved Parmesan or small pieces of fresh mozzarella
6. Finish with an additional drizzle of high-quality olive oil and fresh basil leaves

Roasted Campari Tomato Soup

A comforting soup with intensified flavor:

1. Halve 2 pounds of Campari tomatoes and arrange cut-side up on a baking sheet
2. Add 6 peeled garlic cloves and drizzle with 3 tablespoons olive oil
3. Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until caramelized
4. In a Dutch oven, sauté 1 diced onion and 1 diced carrot until soft
5. Add the roasted tomatoes and garlic, 3 cups vegetable stock, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon dried oregano
6. Simmer for 20 minutes, then blend until smooth
7. Return to pot and add ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
8. Finish with fresh basil, salt and pepper to taste
9. Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches

Campari Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

A simple yet elegant dish:

1. Slice 15-20 Campari tomatoes and 8 ounces fresh mozzarella
2. Arrange alternating slices on a platter in a circular pattern
3. Drizzle with 2-3 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil
4. Sprinkle with ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, flaky sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper
5. Add a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for color and sweetness
6. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop

Pasta with Fresh Campari Tomato Sauce

An elevated weeknight dinner:

1. Sauté 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 finely diced shallot in 3 tablespoons olive oil
2. Add 2 pounds halved Campari tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down, about 10-15 minutes
3. Add 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (basil, oregano, parsley) and seasonings (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes)
4. Optionally add a splash of white wine and let reduce
5. Toss with 1 pound cooked pasta and ½ cup reserved pasta water
6. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh herbs
7. For a creamier variation, add 2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese before serving

Campari Tomato Tart

A beautiful appetizer or light lunch:

1. Roll out 1 sheet of puff pastry and score a 1-inch border around the edge
2. Spread 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard within the border
3. Sprinkle with 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
4. Place 20-25 halved Campari tomatoes cut-side up in a single layer
5. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper
6. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil
7. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and serve warm
8. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving

Campari Tomato Gazpacho

A refreshing cold soup perfect for summer:

1. Blend 2 pounds Campari tomatoes with 1 cucumber, ½ red bell pepper, ¼ red onion, 1 garlic clove
2. Add 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar, 3 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper
3. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a smoother texture
4. Chill for at least 2 hours
5. Top with a medley of diced vegetables, crunchy croutons, and a splash of olive oil for added flavor and texture before serving.

Cooking Tips

• For maximum flavor, store Campari tomatoes at room temperature, never in the refrigerator
• Use Campari tomatoes raw in salads and sandwiches to showcase their natural sweetness
• When cooking, Campari tomatoes hold their shape better than other varieties, making them ideal for skewers and grilling
• For an intensified flavor, try slow-roasting them with herbs and olive oil at 250°F for 2-3 hours
• Their uniform size makes them perfect for presentation in dishes where appearance matters
• The skin of Campari tomatoes is relatively thin, so peeling is rarely necessary
• For a quick appetizer, top halved Campari tomatoes with herbed breadcrumbs and broil until golden
• Campari tomatoes make excellent tomato jam or preserves due to their natural sweetness

Nutritional Benefits

Campari tomatoes are packed with nutrients:

• Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and cancer prevention
• Good source of vitamins A, C, and K essential for immune function and bone health
• Contain potassium which helps regulate blood pressure
• Provide dietary fiber to support digestive health
• Low in calories (approximately 25-30 calories per cup), making them weight-management friendly
• Contain no fat or cholesterol
• Source of antioxidants that help combat cellular damage and aging
• Use a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids and achieve a silky-smooth consistency.

Studies suggest that the lycopene in tomatoes becomes more bioavailable when the tomatoes are cooked, so including Campari-tomatoes in both raw and cooked preparations offers different health benefits.

Seasonal Availability and Selection

While Campari-tomatoes are available year-round thanks to greenhouse growing methods, they tend to be at their peak quality during:

• Spring through early fall in North America
• Winter months when imported from Mexico and other warmer climates

When selecting Campari-tomatoes look for:

• Bright, uniform red color with no green patches
• Firm but slightly yielding to gentle pressure
• Aromatic fragrance at the stem end
• No wrinkles, cracks, or soft spots
• If sold on the vine, check that the stem is still green and fresh-looking

Where to Buy Campari Tomatoes

Look for Campari-tomatoes:

• In the specialty tomato section of grocery stores and supermarkets
• At farmers’ markets during summer months, though they may be sold under different names
• Often sold on the vine or in plastic clamshell containers labeled specifically as “Campari”
• Year-round availability thanks to greenhouse growing methods
• At specialty produce stores and organic markets
• Through CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs in some regions

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Campari tomatoes the same as cherry tomatoes?

No, Campari-tomatoes are larger than cherry tomatoes but smaller than regular tomatoes. Roughly the size of a golf ball, these tomatoes range from 1 to 2 inches across and are known for their uniquely sweet taste. In comparison, cherry tomatoes are smaller, usually under an inch wide.

How should I store Campari tomatoes?

For best flavor, store them at room temperature away from direct sunlight. They’ll typically stay fresh for 7-10 days. Refrigeration can diminish their flavor but extends shelf life. If you must refrigerate them, allow them to return to room temperature before eating for the best taste experience.

Can I grow Campari tomatoes at home?

While Campari is a trademarked variety produced commercially, home gardeners can find similar hybrid varieties like “Mountain Magic,” “Sugary,” or “Sunchocola” that offer comparable characteristics. Seeds for these varieties are available through specialty seed catalogs and some garden centers.

What makes Campari tomatoes sweeter than other varieties?

Their sweetness comes from a higher sugar-to-acid ratio. Commercial growers also carefully control growing conditions to maximize flavor development. Factors include:

• Precise nutrient delivery through hydroponic systems
• Optimal light exposure
• Controlled temperature and humidity
• Harvesting at peak ripeness

Are Campari tomatoes genetically modified?

No, Campari-tomatoes are not GMO products. They were developed through traditional plant breeding methods to achieve their distinctive characteristics. Their traits were selected over multiple generations of crossbreeding to optimize flavor, appearance, and shelf-life.

What can I substitute for Campari tomatoes in recipes?

The best substitutes are:

• Roma tomatoes (though less sweet)
• Cocktail tomatoes (similar size but often less flavorful)
• Plum tomatoes (for cooking applications)
• Grape tomatoes (smaller but with good sweetness)
• Any “cluster” or “on-the-vine” tomato varieties

Do Campari tomatoes cost more than regular tomatoes?

Yes, typically Campari-tomatoes command a premium price compared to standard field-grown tomatoes. This reflects their consistent quality, enhanced flavor, and the controlled growing conditions required to produce them year-round.

Are organic Campari tomatoes available?

Yes, some producers offer organic Campari-tomatoes grown according to organic certification standards. These will be labeled as both “Campari” and “organic” and typically cost more than conventional Campari-tomatoes.

How can I tell if my Campari tomatoes have gone bad?

Signs of spoilage include:

• Soft, mushy texture
• Moldy spots or extensive bruising
• Fermented or sour smell
• Leaking juice
• Wrinkled skin

Can I freeze Campari tomatoes?

Yes, though like all tomatoes, the texture will change upon thawing. They’re best frozen after being blanched and peeled, or roasted and pureed for later use in soups and sauces.