Discover the Tomato Variety That Transforms Stuffed Tomatoes with Superior Flavor and Texture!

Which tomato variety should you choose for making stuffed tomatoes? Beefsteak, Marmande, ribbed… When facing the selection at the market, it’s not always a clear choice. Instinctively, one might go for the largest tomatoes, known for their meatiness. Easy to hollow out and juicy, they might seem perfect for the dish. Yet, they might not be the best option. “They are sometimes too juicy and might not hold up during cooking,” explains Jean-Philippe Briand, a tomato producer in Provence, near Avignon. Once filled, their flesh can weaken during cooking. And when it’s time to serve, the worst could happen: the tomato could split open and spill its stuffing onto the diner’s plate. To avoid this scenario, the producer suggests another variety. It’s often overlooked, which is quite unfortunate.

Crunchy and sweet, this tomato is usually enjoyed raw, at appetizers or in salads. However, it also deserves a spot in the kitchen. Its flesh, both dense and firm, allows it to withstand cooking without collapsing. “I find they hold up well,” the producer confirms, before adding: “Plus, they’re very flavorful.” He refers to the Label Rouge round cluster tomatoes.

“Personally, I like using these for stuffed tomatoes,” he shares. They are slightly smaller than ribbed tomatoes, but their size is still perfectly suitable for the recipe: “Just count on two tomatoes per person!” he suggests. With a diameter of about 6 cm, they are easily hollowed out, and the flesh, once minced, can be mixed into the stuffing. The Label Rouge mark, a symbol of quality, also ensures a good level of ripeness and sugar content in the fruit, which enhances its flavor. “We taste them regularly to make sure of it: the round cluster tomatoes have a minimum sugar level of 6.5,” he adds. This makes them appealing to both adults and children at the dinner table!

It’s often believed that the biggest tomatoes are the best fit for stuffed tomatoes. Yet, Label Rouge round cluster tomatoes check all the boxes: they hold up well during cooking, remain flavorful, and win everyone over at the dinner table.