Description

A 1 kg purchase typically consists of fresh tomatoes that are: Quantity: Approximately 8 to 12 medium-sized tomatoes (depending on the variety and size). Color & Ripeness: Usually bright to deep red, indicating they are ripe or nearing full ripeness. They should be vibrant in color. Shape: Often round or slightly oblong/flat-round (like the common "Round Medium Size Fresh Red Tomato" or the "Desi/Nati" varieties). Texture: Should feel firm to the touch, which is desirable for transport and cooking. Hybrid Tomatoes: Often mild in flavor, slightly watery, and excellent for gravies and curries. "Desi" (Native) Tomatoes: Prized for a more tangy, juicy, and traditional flavor with a good balance of sweet and sour, making them ideal for dishes like Rasam or hearty curries. Common Varieties in India: While a generic 1 kg pack might not specify the exact variety, the tomatoes are often one of these popular types: Round/Hybrid Tomatoes: The most common variety available year-round, typically uniform in size and color, good for all-purpose cooking. Desi or Nati Tomatoes: Known for their superior tangy flavor, often slightly irregular in shape, and preferred for authentic Indian curries and sauces. Roma (Plum) Tomatoes: Increasingly popular, these are oval/plum-shaped, have thick, meaty flesh, fewer seeds, and are excellent for making sauces and pastes. Best Uses in 1 kg Quantity: A 1 kg pack is a kitchen essential in India and is suitable for: Making a large pot of curry or sabzi (vegetable dish). Preparing tomato puree or base for multiple meals. Creating tomato soup or rasam (a South Indian tangy soup). Slicing and adding to salads and sandwiches (especially the firmer varieties).