The use of tomatoes is in an illimitable number of recipes, and they often require to be chopped. Making tomato dice is a straightforward task anyone can master if they have time. Both Roma and regular tomatoes can be diced and later used in soups, salads or casseroles, as well as other meals.
HOW TO DICE A TOMATO
This method works well for Roma tomato, vine-ripened San Marzano, or other significant to medium types. The method does not work for cutting grape or cherry tomatoes as they are too small to cut.
The fundamental steps to dicing the tomato are straightforward to do:
RINSE AND SCRUB
It is crucial to scrub the tomato’s exterior before using the tomatoes.
Cleanse the tomatoes with your fingers in running water, removing any visible dirt or other debris. Take care, because the skins of tomatoes can be very delicate.
Dry thoroughly using the help of a dish towel.
SLICE OFF THE SIDES
Make use of a giant cutting board as well as a sharp cutler. If your board has a groove along the sides, use this because it can hold any tomato juices that leak out.
Lay the tomato in a row with the stem up.
Place the knife approximately 1/4-1/2-inch or so towards the right side of the stem. (Or towards the left for those who are lefties!)
Cut carefully but with a firm touch until you get towards the root of the tomato. If you take a look at the tomato, you’ll be able to see the natural curvatures. Follow this line.
Tomato Anatomy
Like apples, tomatoes also have an emollient core, which runs through the stem and down to the base. It would be best to work within the centre for a tomato to be diced like you would cut an apple. Instead of cutting through the tomato horizontally and causing a puncture to the pulp of jelly and seed cavity and causing small messes, Cut the tomato’s edges into four pieces, working in the centre. After that, cut the pieces.
The Right Knife
The most effective tool for slicing and cutting tomatoes is the serrated knife. A chef’s sharp knife can be used. However, serrated knives’ teeth allow you to cut through the tomato skin effortlessly. An apron-sharp steak knife may be used in an emergency also.
How to Dice a Tomato: A Visual Guide
- Prepare the tomato by rinsing the tomato and then dry. Put the tomato with its stem side on a cutting table and remove any green stems and leaves.
- Cut long slices: Slice off the long edges from the tomato (if there are more sides). Be sure to keep the core intact.
- Take the core off. Lay the cut side of the core towards the cutting board.
- Split into pieces: Slice pieces that you cut off from the centre lengthwise into quarter-inch-wide strips.
- Dice. Split the strips acrosswise to create 1/4-inch pieces.
What’s the Difference Between Small, Medium, and Large Dice?
A dice means breaking food down into pieces of an exact dimension. Medium dice are broken into half-inch pieces and can be used in a variety of large chunky salsas as well as toppings. Large dice are divided into cubes of 3/4 inch and can be used to make stews, salads, and soups.
What’s the Best Knife for Cutting Tomatoes?
The most effective knife for cutting a tomato isn’t the fancy chef or paring knife. It’s precisely the knife used to slice bread. Like bread, tomatoes are tough and durable, which helps safeguard the soft inside. This is why it is logical to use a serrated knife approach to sawing, an excellent way to slice through a tomato’s skin without damaging the delicate inside.
How to Dice an Oblong Tomato
Dicing an oblong tomato, similar to a Roma, does not need you to cut the tomato before setting the dice.
- Take any stems off by cutting off the stems.
- Slice the tomato into half lengthwise.
- Lay the tomatoes cut side to ensure security. Create vertical, equally spaced slices within every tomato.
- The slices should be rotated 90 degrees before cutting in the opposite direction, forming an ice cube.
How to Seed a Tomato Before Dicing
Most of the tomato’s taste is contained in its flesh, not the seeds. Therefore, there’s no risk, but only benefit–in taking that additional step of seeding these seeds.
To seed your tomato quickly, begin by cutting your tomatoes in half. Place half of a tomato in the bowl and slowly squeeze the seeds out using your fingers or a knife to scoop the seeds and the remaining liquid. The result is an ideal starting point for chopping your tomatoes.