Tomatoberry Cherry Tomatoes
Estimated Inventory, 12 ct : 0
Description/Taste
Tomatoberry cherry tomatoes grow in clusters of 25 to 35 on indeterminate, vining plants. They are small, only one inch by one inch in size. As the name suggests, Tomatoberries look a lot like a strawberry; with broad shoulders tapering to a blunt point. The deep red skin is glossy and smooth, with the occasional appearance of indentations. Tomatoberry cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, with a high sugar content, and the flesh is thick with a meaty texture. The heart-shaped tomatoes have a below-average acid-content, with less of a grassy scent than most tomatoes.
Seasons/Availability
Tomatoberry cherry tomatoes are available in the spring and summer months.
Current Facts
Tomatoberry cherry tomatoes are a hybrid variety of tomato, known botanically as Solanum lycopersicum. The small, strawberry-shaped, cherry tomato variety was developed by the same growers who brought us sungold cherry tomatoes. Tomatoberries received the third-place Innovation Award at the Fruit Logistica show in Berlin in 2008. Known for their sweet flavor and their thick and juicy flesh, the Tomatoberry was the Burpee Taste Test Champion in 2012.
Nutritional Value
Tomatoberry cherry tomatoes contain high amounts of lycopene, an antioxidant that has a demonstrated ability to slow the growth of cancer cells. The berry-shaped tomato, like other tomatoes, is high in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as potassium, and contain beneficial amino acids. Tomatoberry cherry tomatoes have a high sugar-content, much like the sungold cherry tomato.
Applications
Tomatoberry cherry tomatoes are appealing for both their size and shape. Serve whole or cut into sections for salads or garnishes. Tomatoberry cherry tomatoes can be used in any recipes that call for cherry or grape tomatoes. The sweet small tomatoes can be roasted and served in pastas or alongside meat dishes. Tomatoberry cherry tomatoes store well and can sit at room temperature for up to a week. Refrigerate the tomatoes once they have ripened for a few days (sugar content is lessened with refrigeration).
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Tomatoberry cherry tomatoes may not have been introduced had it not been for the daughter of Iwao Tokita. The tomato breeder thought the cherry tomato was a failure because of its “odd” shape. His daughter thought the tomato was cute, noting its heart shape. Tokita took the tomato on the road and was met with great success.
Geography/History
The unique Tomatoberry cherry tomatoes were developed by the Tokita Seed Company of Japan, the same company that spent years developing other well-known, sweet, hybrid cherry tomato varieties. Tomatoberry cherry tomatoes are disease resistant, very productive, and preferred for their resistance to cracking if overly ripe. The heart-shaped tomatoes are popular in Japan and in the surrounding market areas. In the United States, the Tomatoberry is primarily available through seed catalogs and may be found at local farmer’s markets through small farms.
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