Different varieties of tomatoes vary in color, size, and shape. Some types of tomatoes are decorative and taste pleasant, but some are grown for industrial use.
Seeing the difference in tomato varieties available on the market, you might ask, is there a difference between the different kinds of tomatoes?
The obvious difference between cherry tomatoes and regular tomatoes is their size. While regular tomatoes are on average 5 cm / 2 inches in diameter, cherry tomatoes are only 2 cm / 1 inch in diameter. Other characteristics of cherry and regular tomatoes are incredibly similar. Both come in a variety of colors. Apart from several shades of red, there are also yellow, green, and even black tomatoes.
The fruit of the tomato can be classified as a fleshy berry. Some tomatoes are sour, while others have a sweeter taste.
Cherry tomatoes and regular tomatoes are very similar in nutritional value, which is why the U.S. The Department of Agriculture lists them together. The table below shows the nutrient content of tomatoes per 100 g, based on USDA data:
| Energy | 18 kcal |
| Protein | 0.88 g |
| Water | 94.5 g |
| Total fat | 0.2 g |
| Carbohydrate | 3.89 g |
| Dietary fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugars | 2.63 g |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Iron | 0.27 mg |
| Magnesium | 11 mg |
| Phosphorus | 24 mg |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Zinc | 0.17 mg |
| Vitamin C | 13.7 mg |
| Vitamin A | 42 µg |
| Beta carotene | 449 µg |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 123 µg |
| Vitamin E | 0.54 µg |
| Vitamin K | 7.9 µg |
What is the difference between a cherry tomato and a grape tomato?
The essential difference between cherry and grape tomatoes is their shape. While cherry tomatoes are spherical, grape tomatoes are oval.
The other difference is in their structure since grape tomatoes are generally fleshier and contain fewer seeds than cherry tomatoes. Both grape tomatoes and cherry tomatoes are bite-sized and have a sweet taste.
However, the grape tomato is sometimes confused with the plum tomato, which is also oblong but the same size as a regular tomato.
What tomato has the most meat?
Plum tomatoes have the most flesh, and the least amount of juice and seeds, so they are the most suitable for making purees and pastes. Canned tomatoes are also made from fleshy and pleasantly sweet plum tomatoes.
San Marzano tomatoes, a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine, also belong to the plum tomato variety.
Are cherry tomatoes a healthy snack?
Cherry tomatoes are considered a healthy snack and a good alternative to treats with high sugar and fat content. Due to their low-calorie content, cherry tomatoes fit well into various diets.
Lycopene is the most important antioxidant found in tomatoes. It can accumulate in the tissues of our body and is utilized in a large percentage.
Fresh tomatoes also contain vitamin C, which is well-known for its antioxidant effect. It also plays a role in the synthesis of collagen, which is an important component of our tissues.
With their significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound content, tomatoes contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and several types of cancer.
Based on research, tomato antioxidant compounds can also help with certain skin diseases, such as acne, psoriasis, or atopic dermatitis. Tomatoes may also have a beneficial effect on gut flora and may protect against inflammatory digestive conditions such as Crohn’s disease.
Can you eat raw cherry tomatoes?
You can eat cherry tomatoes both raw and cooked. Since they are only bite-sized, you don’t need to slice them.
However, for our health, it is important to wash tomatoes thoroughly before consumption, as their skin may contain chemical residues and bacteria, such as salmonella.
Cooking tomatoes change their nutrient content to a certain degree. While vitamin C breaks down due to heat, cooking increases the level of tomato phytochemicals.
Research shows that the lycopene content of tomatoes increases significantly due to cooking. Lycopene gives tomatoes their red color and has a powerful antioxidant effect. It protects our cells from harmful free radicals, which are produced by the body’s natural processes and environmental influences.
Is it OK to eat tomatoes every day?
According to dieticians, it is recommended to eat five servings of vegetables and fruits every day. With their valuable nutrient content, tomatoes can be an important part of our daily meals both cooked and raw.
However, it is essential to pay attention to a varied diet in order to supply our bodies with the necessary nutrients. Tomatoes can be included in our meals in many ways. We can make soup, sauce, salad and tomato juice from it
Tomatoes are an integral part of the Mediterranean diet. In combination with olive oil, they contribute to the prevention of cancer.
Tomato juice can be a good post-workout drink as it reduces muscle damage and oxidative stress caused by physical activity.
Should you eat tomato seeds and skins?
The skin and seeds of tomatoes contain 60% dietary fiber. In the digestive process, these are transformed into substances that have anti-cancer properties.
Tomato seed oil is used in the production of cosmetics, as it contains beneficial substances for our skin. They are used in the production of creams and anti-aging serums due to their linoleic acid and antioxidant content.
Tomato seeds have natural UV protective properties, so their oil is also added to sunscreens.
Do tomatoes last longer in the fridge or on the counter?
If you have tomatoes that are not quite ripe and hard to the touch, it is best to keep them on the kitchen counter, where the ripening process continues. It is better to store tomatoes in the open air, not in a closed container.
It is not recommended to refrigerate unripe tomatoes, as cooling stops the ripening process. As a result of the cooling, the amount of essential oils decreases, which also affects the taste of the tomatoes.
On the other hand, we can extend the shelf life of well-ripened, slightly soft tomatoes by storing them in the refrigerator.
Final thoughts
So, there are more similarities than differences between cherry tomatoes and regular tomatoes. The obvious and most important difference between the two types of tomatoes is their size.
Cherry tomatoes are small, only bite-sized, while regular tomatoes are around 5 cm / 2 inches in diameter. The nutritional value of cherry tomatoes and regular tomatoes does not differ significantly.
Tomatoes can vary in color, texture, size, and shape, but they all have one thing in common: they are rich in valuable nutrients necessary for our bodies.
Talking of vegetables, you may be interested in my article on why baby carrots sometimes taste bitter.