Roma refers to a group of tomato varieties that are the prime choice for sauces and canning. They have less moisture content than other, juicier tomato varieties such as beefsteak tomatoes. Romas have a thick fruit wall and skin, firm and dense flesh, and they have fewer seeds.

Roma tomatoes are a meaty, virtually seedless, oval shaped tomato. While cherry tomatoes are a sweet small round tomato with a higher water content. While they may be substituted for each other in recipes, it will depend on what you’re making on how successful the substitution will be.

You’ll find that Roma tomatoes are meaty with only a few seeds. Unlike other tomatoes, this type is denser with a grainier flesh. They’re not soft, and Romas have high pectin content without much juice. If you’re looking for a juicy tomato, these aren’t for you, but the lower moisture content does extend their shelf life.