A.K.A

yellow teardrop tomatoes

What is it?

Pear tomatoes are a little smaller than cherry tomatoes and, as their names suggests, they resemble tiny pears. They’re great for salads or snacking.

Yellow pear tomatoes are a particularly charming and petite favorite. Clusters of these sunny teardrops are hard to resist and their low acidity and mild flavor make them popular with kids.

Don’t have it?

You can use grape or cherry tomatoes instead.

How to choose:

Look for plump, glossy tomatoes that feel heavy for their size. A ripe tomato should feel pliant but not mushy, with no soft spots or cracks. Stem calyxes, if they’re still attached, should be fresh and green, never shriveled or tired-looking.

How to store:

Leave tomatoes at room temperature until you’re ready to use them. Refrigeration causes loss of flavor and a mealy texture.

Recipes

• 
  Recipe

  Grilled Shrimp Salad with Feta, Tomato, and Watermelon

  Ripe, in-season ingredients are the key to this summery main-course salad, so use the best tomatoes and watermelon you can find.

• 
  Recipe

  Tomato, Chive & Pine‑Nut Salad with Gorgonzola Toasts

  This salad is gorgeous when you make it with the four colors of tomato, but it’s still excellent if you only use one or two colors.