Yellow Cherry Tomatoes
Estimated Inventory, 12 ct : 1.09
This item was last sold on : 07/13/25
Description/Taste
Yellow cherry tomatoes are slightly less acidic than red varieties, and therefore they are somewhat milder and sweeter in flavor. Yellow cherry tomatoes are tender-firm and thin-skinned with two seed cavities carrying tiny, edible seeds. The indeterminate tomato plants have strong vines that produce high yields of the small yellow fruit, about one inch in diameter, throughout the season.
Seasons/Availability
Yellow cherry tomatoes are available year-round.
Current Facts
Yellow cherry tomatoes carry a recessive mutant gene that is responsible for their coloring. Unlike red cherry tomatoes, Yellow cherry tomatoes have reduced levels of chlorophyll and no detectable anthocyanins, the compound responsible for the red pigmentation. They also have higher levels of yellow carotenoids, or carotene, and flavonoids in the skin, all of which results in their yellow coloration. Natural mutations other than color do occur, such as mutations in shape, and have led to several variations of Yellow cherry tomatoes, including the yellow pear and yellow grape tomato. New and improved varieties continue to be bred for disease resistance, yield performance, and of course flavor. The gene pool is rather small though, as domesticated tomatoes contain only five percent of the genetic variation of their wild counterparts. Like the potato and eggplant, the tomato, scientifically known as Lycopersicon esculentum, is a member of the nightshade family. Cherry and grape varieties are more specifically classified as Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme. However, after years of preference for the name Lycopersicon esculentum, many are now reverting to the tomato’s original classification, Solanum lycopersicum, due to recent evidence in its favor.
Nutritional Value
Cherry tomatoes provide a healthy dose of fiber, vitamin C, and other vitamins and minerals essential for good health. They are rich in both vitamin B-6, which helps your body metabolize protein and supports cognitive development, and vitamin A, which keeps eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys working properly.
Applications
Yellow cherry tomatoes can be used in any recipe calling for cherry tomatoes. They can even replace larger varieties in fresh and raw dishes, although it is more practical to use larger tomatoes for cooked dishes, as it will take far more cherry tomatoes than their larger counterparts for certain recipes. Eat Yellow cherry tomatoes in their natural season of ripeness for their best flavor. When substituting in a recipe, it is advisable to note their level of sweetness before use, as it will vary from the variety called for in the recipe. Choice pairings with Yellow cherry tomatoes include avocados, corn, chilies, arugula, watermelon, new potatoes, zucchini, and herbs such as basil, lemon verbena, and mint. Cherry tomatoes should be stored at room temperature for two to three days, away from direct sunlight, until ready to use. Refrigerate only fully ripe cherry tomatoes to keep from ripening any further and slow the process of decay. Bring the refrigerated cherry tomatoes to room temperature before serving raw, or use them in cooked recipes.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In 1893, the Supreme Court ruled that the tomato must be considered a vegetable even though, botanically, it is a fruit. It was necessary to define it as either one or the other as vegetables and fruits were subject to different import duties. In the end, it was declared that the tomato was a vegetable because it was commonly eaten as one.
Geography/History
Yellow cherry tomatoes are descendants of the wild tomato, which is thought to have originated along the western coast of South America. However, it is believed that the tomato was first domesticated further north in Mexico as seeds were taken from there to Europe after Cortez conquered Mexico City. In the mid-16th century, the tomato was introduced into Europe, and although the tomato was native to the New World, it was introduced back into America from Europe in the 18th century. There is no evidence that points to a specific time and place of discovery for the first Yellow cherry tomato, but it is known that it was a natural occurring mutation found on a red cherry tomato plant. That single mutation is responsible for the evolution of Yellow cherry tomatoes and the many varieties on the market today.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Pamplemousse Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-792-9090 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Bar Ella | San Diego CA | 858-808-2286 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Il Giardino di Lilli | La Jolla CA | 619-467-9897 |
| Bar Same Same (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-470-9143 |
| Ketch Grill and Taps | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| The Cottage La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-8408 |
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