WHAT IS A CHERRY TOMATO?
A member of the berry family, these mini spheres come in red, green, black and yellow. Originally cultivated by the Aztecs in the 700s during their unique take on health care (“You don’t feel well? Here, lie down on this stone couch. No, no, don’t worry about the blood. And hey, if you feel a sharp, stabbing sensation around your heart, give it no thought! That’s just part of the exam.”) While the origin of cherry tomatoes is contested by the government of Israel, unless Gal Gadot shows up on your doorstep with a basket, don’t believe them. Though to be fair, Israel today exports most of the seeds that Italy uses to grow its cherry tomatoes.
WHY ARE CHERRY TOMATOES GOOD FOR YOU?
Like tomatoes in general, cherries are low in calories and rich in nutrients. They have an abundance of vitamins A,C and K as well as potassium, choline and beta carotene.
WHEN ARE CHERRY TOMATOES IN SEASON?
They don’t tolerate extreme temperatures well. And while cherry tomatoes need ample moisture, they require good drainage as well. Plant your seeds in early summer and in just over 2 months (late fall) they should be ready to harvest.
HOW SHOULD CHERRY TOMATOES BE STORED?
For the best flavor avoid the refrigerator and store them at room temperature. However be warned that while these fruits will have more flavor, they’ll also ripen faster.
WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO CONCASSER A CHERRY TOMATO?
Click here to see!
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CHERRY AND GRAPE TOMATO?
Simply put, while both are tiny cherry tomatoes are circular while grape tomatoes are oblong. Grape tomatoes have thicker skins making them more durable. The reputation of grape tomatoes is that this thicker skin costs them the premium flavor possessed by thin skinned cherry tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes, especially from Sicily, tend to have a higher sugar content (due to the mix of salt and fresh water underneath the island) versus grape tomatoes. But if you want more flavor per ounce, grape tomatoes have a lower moisture content.
