Tomatoes are a versatile fruit and are popular among gardeners of all experience levels. However, you may wonder are cherry tomatoes the same as grape tomatoes? Though the two varieties of tomatoes are similar, they do have their differences.
From sauces to sandwiches and everything in-between, tomatoes are a popular ingredient in many dishes. Though culinary wise they are referred to as a vegetable, they are actually botanically a fruit. They come in many different varieties and are all delicious and full of health benefits.
Brief History Of Tomatoes
The origins of tomatoes trace back to the Aztecas in around 700 AD, which leads many to believe that they are native to South America. Around the 16th century, the tomato was introduced to Europe after explorers brought them back from the New World. They quickly grew in popularity across Southern Europe.
The Spanish and Italians were the first to adapt tomatoes into their cuisine. The tomato was then introduced to North America by the Europeans. It wasn’t until around the early 20th century that they became popular all across the country.
Now, tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in the culinary world. They are grown commercially all across the world and many people also grow them in their home gardens. You can find them in all sorts of different varieties, shapes, sizes, and colors.
What’s The Difference Between Cherry And Grape Tomatoes?
So, are grape tomatoes the same as cherry tomatoes? Though they are similar, cherry and grape tomatoes are different.
Cherry tomatoes get their names since they are shaped like cherries. They are round with thin skins and a high water content. They are generally softer than grape tomatoes and tend to be squisher as well.
Cherry tomatoes will often pop and squirt juices in your mouth as you bite down. They can grow to be almost twice as big as grape tomatoes.
Grape tomatoes have an oblong, oval shape that is similar to that of a grape. They have a thicker, meatier, and chewier consistency than cherry tomatoes do. Their flesh has less water, making them not as juicy as cherry tomatoes are.
They often grow in clusters, just like grapes do. In addition, they also tend to have a longer shelf life as well. Both varieties are great for growing in your own garden and will typically grow in an abundance.
Sow Right Seeds – Tomato Seed Collection for Planting – Variety of Sizes, Shapes, and Colors
Flavor Profile And Colors
Cherry tomatoes tend to be sweet in flavor, though some can be a bit tart. Though they are often red in color, they can also be orange or yellow. They are popular for having a crisp bite and fresh flavor.
Grape tomatoes have a rich taste and they aren’t too sweet or too acidic, though they can be a bit tart. They have a crunchy bite and meaty consistency. In addition, they are also often red, though they can be yellow or orange as well.
Common Uses
Cherry tomatoes are great for sauces, salads, kebabs, and roasting. In addition, they are also great for stuffing. Grape tomatoes are ideal for salads, sauces, roasting, and grilling. You can eat both types raw or cooked.
Like all fruits and vegetables, you should wash your tomatoes before you eat them. For best results, wait to wash them until right before you use them.
Can You Use Them Interchangeably?
For the most part, you can use cherry and grape tomatoes interchangeably in your recipes. Some people prefer one variety over the other, but they will often both work well in recipes that call for one or the other. If you are wanting to stuff your tomatoes, cherry is the better option.
Proper Storage
Tomatoes do best when you store them at room temperature, in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Since they are fragile, it is best to store them in a paper bag or a Tupperware container. They will last for about one week at room temperature with proper storage.
You can also store fully ripe tomatoes in the fridge for up to two weeks. Keep them at a warmer spot in the fridge such as the top shelf or door. Remove any stems before placing them in the fridge and store them stem side down.
Any leftover tomatoes that are already cut should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. They will last for around 3-4 days after you cut them in the fridge.
You can also freeze tomatoes as well if you have an abundance from your garden. To freeze, wash them and thoroughly dry them off and then add them to a Ziploc bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag or use a vacuum sealer if you have one of those.
Place your tomatoes in a single layer in your freezer to prevent them from getting squished. They will keep for around nine months to a year in your freezer.
You can also freeze them in slices as well. Simply slice them into pieces and place them on a baking tray. Then, place the tray with the slices on it in the freezer for one hour. After the hour, wrap them in plastic wrap and then place them in a Ziploc bag before returning them to the freezer.
When ready to serve or cook, allow them to thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes. You can also thaw them whole or slice them in the fridge overnight as well.
FAQ’s
Whats the difference between cherry and grape tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a very diverse group of plants, with many different types, colors, shapes, sizes, flavors, and uses. The most common varieties are beefsteak, plum, cherry, and grape tomatoes.
"Grape" tomatoes are similar flavor and texture to regular cherry tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are larger, with thicker skins and smaller seeds. "Cherry" tomatoes are a type of plum tomato. The skin is thick and shiny, and they have a bright red color. They have a higher sugar content than other tomatoes, but less acidity. They are typically picked at the green stage, then ripened at home in a paper bag on a countertop or in the refrigerator.
Cherry tomatoes are small, sweet, juicy tomatoes that are perfect for snacking and salads. They have a thin skin that is easy to peel off, making them great for eating raw in salads or as part of sandwiches. Grape tomatoes are larger than cherry tomatoes.
As a general rule, if you can fit your thumb in the hole of the tomato, it is cherry.
Are grape tomatoes better than cherry tomatoes?
If you’re looking for the most flavorful and juicy tomato, then you’ll want to go with the grape variety. Grape tomatoes are a small round tomato with sweet flesh that is often sold in a cluster of several together. They have a mild flavor and are ideal for salads. In addition, they can be eaten raw or cooked. Cherry tomatoes are larger than grape tomatoes, but they also have sweet flesh.
In addition to being delicious, these varieties of tomatoes are also very good for you. They contain lots of lycopene, which has been proven to help reduce the risk of certain cancers. Lycopene is also believed to protect against heart disease and other ailments.
They are cheap, easy to find, and easy to eat. I can eat them raw or in salads. They are good for cooking too, because they stay nice and firm. I like their texture and flavor. Grape tomatoes are more expensive.
You can only get them out of season. The ones that grow in the winter are small and bland.
Can you substitute cherry tomatoes for grape tomatoes?
Yes, you can use any kind of cherry tomatoes in place of grape tomatoes. They are very similar in flavor and size, but if you prefer a different tomato flavor you can certainly use them.
Why are cherry tomatoes so expensive?
One reason is that they're a speciality crop, requiring lots of effort to grow. Another reason is that the plants have been bred to be especially sweet and juicy.
Can you freeze grape tomatoes?
Grape tomatoes can be frozen, but they should be placed in an airtight container or bag and frozen individually. If they are frozen together, the flavor is likely to be ruined.
How many types of cherry tomatoes are there?
There are many types of cherry tomatoes, but only a few types are widely available. For example, the small cherry tomatoes sold in plastic bags at supermarkets are typically Roma (or "Romano") tomatoes; these have thick skins that are tough enough to withstand shipping and storage without spoiling. Most cherry tomatoes sold fresh at farmers' markets or grocery stores are called "summer" cherry tomatoes because they are picked before they have started to turn red.
Understanding The Differences Between Grape Vs Cherry Tomatoes
Grape and cherry tomatoes are very similar, however, cherry tomatoes are round and grape tomatoes are oblong and oval. The cherry variety tends to be juicer and sweeter, whereas the grape variety tends to be meatier and chewier. The cherry variety tends to be larger than the grape variety.
Both varieties are great for salads, sauces, roasting, snacking, and grilling. Oftentimes, these two varieties can be used interchangeably with each other as both have a wonderful flavor. They are typically red, orange, or yellow in color, with red being the most common.
Do you have any questions regarding to are cherry tomatoes the same as grape tomatoes? If so, please ask any questions regarding tomatoes in the comment section down below.
Anna is an avid gardener who loves the outdoors and spending time in nature. She has been gardening since she was a child and has a passion for growing her own food and flowers. She enjoys experimenting with different types of plants and techniques to create beautiful and bountiful gardens. She is always trying to learn more about gardening and is an active member of her local gardening club. She loves to share her knowledge and experience with others and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Anna believes that gardening is a great way to bring people together and foster a sense of community.
