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Red Grape tomatoes are small in size, averaging 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter and 2 to 5 centimeters in length, and have an elongated, oblong to oval shape. The tomatoes also grow in large bunches of approximately twenty fruits, and the skin is smooth, taut, firm, and glossy, showcasing bright red hues when ripe. Underneath the surface, the pale red-orange flesh is dense with a drier, meaty texture, encasing a central chamber filled with a pale green-red fluid suspending tiny, yellow seeds. Red Grape tomatoes are somewhat firm to the touch when ripe and have a crunchy, soft consistency with a high sugar content. The tomatoes contain a sweet, tangy, and subtly earthy flavor with rich, savory-sweet notes.
Red Grape tomatoes are available year-round, with a peak season in the summer.
Red Grape tomatoes, botanically classified as Solanum lycopersicum, are small hybrid varieties belonging to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. The elongated tomatoes grow on full-sized vining plants that can reach two meters in height and earned their name from their similarity in shape to a grape. Red Grape tomatoes are just one of several types of Grape tomatoes, and the other cultivars can be found in shades of gold, green, purple, and red-brown. Red Grape tomatoes were created in the 20th century for their small size, productive nature, sweet taste, and thick skin. In the modern-day, the tomatoes are commercially grown worldwide for export as their protective skin can withstand transport, and the tomatoes are generally less fragile than the cherry tomato. Red Grape tomatoes are also highly productive and are grown year-round in some climates, creating a steady supply for commercial cultivation.
Red Grape tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning and are a good source of vitamin C to reduce inflammation, boost collagen production, and strengthen the immune system. The small tomatoes also contain lycopene, a natural compound that gives the flesh its red hue and has antioxidant-like properties to protect the body from disease. Beyond vitamins, Red Grape tomatoes are a source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract and contain lower amounts of iron and calcium.
Red Grape tomatoes have a sweet, bright flavor and a bite-sized nature well suited for both fresh and cooked preparations. The oblong tomatoes can be served whole on appetizer platters with creamy dips, pierced for caprese skewers, or consumed whole as a sweet, tangy snack. In Asia, some bars serve bowls of fresh Grape tomatoes as a healthy alternative to the common salted peanut. Red Grape tomatoes can also be sliced in half and tossed into salads, chopped and mixed into grain bowls, used as a topping over pizza, or cut for salsa and pasta sauce. In addition to fresh preparations, Red Grape tomatoes can be incorporated into any recipe calling for cherry tomatoes or tomatoes in general and are popularly stewed, grilled, roasted, or sauteed. The tomatoes can also be chopped and stuffed into bell peppers, mixed into pasta, roasted in savory dishes, or blanched, pureed, and made into soups and sauces. Beyond using the tomatoes whole or sliced, Red Grape tomatoes can be processed into jams, ketchup, and compotes. Red Grape tomatoes pair well with herbs such as basil, fennel, oregano, and parsley, peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, cucumbers, corn, cheeses including goat, feta, mozzarella, and parmesan, and meats such as turkey, poultry, beef, pork, and fish. Whole, unwashed Red Grape tomatoes should be immediately consumed for the best quality and flavor. The tomatoes can also be stored at room temperature for 2 to 5 days in a plastic clamshell or paper bag.
Grape tomatoes acquired their fruity moniker in the late 1990s in the United States. Florida farmer Andrew Chu was growing the Taiwanese Santa F1 tomatoes in his garden in 1997 in hopes of introducing the small tomatoes to American consumer markets. The tomatoes did not initially attract attention and were only purchased by a small number of local families in Chu’s hometown. Chu decided to send the tomatoes to East Coast leaders in the produce industry to sample and try, but before he shipped them, he renamed the tomatoes to Grape tomatoes. The name grape was given in honor of the tomato’s elongated, oblong shape, similar to actual grapes. Grape tomatoes were also named to distinguish the new variety from preexisting cherry tomato cultivars. In the early 2000s, Grape tomatoes widely increased in popularity over cherry tomatoes in the United States, and the grape moniker became established as the most recognized descriptor for the small tomatoes.
Grape tomatoes were developed in Southeast Asia in the late 20th century by the Known-You Seed Company in Taiwan. The small tomatoes were created from traditional cross-breeding techniques, and the first commercially successful hybrid cultivar was named Santa F1. Not long after the tomato’s release in Taiwan, Grape tomatoes were being grown in China, where they were favored for their small size, sweet flavor, and dense texture. In 1996, Grape tomato seeds were sent from Taiwan and were planted in the garden of farmer Andrew Chu in Florida. Chu recalled that his friend in Taiwan told him about the new tomatoes and that the small cultivar was quickly increasing in popularity across Asia. Grape tomatoes were not immediately successful in the United States and were initially purchased by a small number of consumers. In 1997, Chu began shipping the tomatoes up the East Coast to buyers and store managers, quickly attracting attention. By 2001, Grape tomatoes were outselling cherry tomatoes 10 to 1 in the United States and were being grown by several companies. Today Grape tomatoes are sold fresh through farmer’s markets, supermarkets, distributors, and specialty food stores. Seeds can also be purchased through online retailers for home garden cultivation.
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
the other 140...
Recipes that include Red Grape Cherry Tomatoes. One
is easiest, three is harder.
| Food Buzz: History of Tomatoes |
Description/Taste
Red Grape tomatoes are small in size, averaging 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter and 2 to 5 centimeters in length, and have an elongated, oblong to oval shape. The tomatoes also grow in large bunches of approximately twenty fruits, and the skin is smooth, taut, firm, and glossy, showcasing bright red hues when ripe. Underneath the surface, the pale red-orange flesh is dense with a drier, meaty texture, encasing a central chamber filled with a pale green-red fluid suspending tiny, yellow seeds. Red Grape tomatoes are somewhat firm to the touch when ripe and have a crunchy, soft consistency with a high sugar content. The tomatoes contain a sweet, tangy, and subtly earthy flavor with rich, savory-sweet notes.
Seasons/Availability
Red Grape tomatoes are available year-round, with a peak season in the summer.
Current Facts
Red Grape tomatoes, botanically classified as Solanum lycopersicum, are small hybrid varieties belonging to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. The elongated tomatoes grow on full-sized vining plants that can reach two meters in height and earned their name from their similarity in shape to a grape. Red Grape tomatoes are just one of several types of Grape tomatoes, and the other cultivars can be found in shades of gold, green, purple, and red-brown. Red Grape tomatoes were created in the 20th century for their small size, productive nature, sweet taste, and thick skin. In the modern-day, the tomatoes are commercially grown worldwide for export as their protective skin can withstand transport, and the tomatoes are generally less fragile than the cherry tomato. Red Grape tomatoes are also highly productive and are grown year-round in some climates, creating a steady supply for commercial cultivation.
Nutritional Value
Red Grape tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning and are a good source of vitamin C to reduce inflammation, boost collagen production, and strengthen the immune system. The small tomatoes also contain lycopene, a natural compound that gives the flesh its red hue and has antioxidant-like properties to protect the body from disease. Beyond vitamins, Red Grape tomatoes are a source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract and contain lower amounts of iron and calcium.
Applications
Red Grape tomatoes have a sweet, bright flavor and a bite-sized nature well suited for both fresh and cooked preparations. The oblong tomatoes can be served whole on appetizer platters with creamy dips, pierced for caprese skewers, or consumed whole as a sweet, tangy snack. In Asia, some bars serve bowls of fresh Grape tomatoes as a healthy alternative to the common salted peanut. Red Grape tomatoes can also be sliced in half and tossed into salads, chopped and mixed into grain bowls, used as a topping over pizza, or cut for salsa and pasta sauce. In addition to fresh preparations, Red Grape tomatoes can be incorporated into any recipe calling for cherry tomatoes or tomatoes in general and are popularly stewed, grilled, roasted, or sauteed. The tomatoes can also be chopped and stuffed into bell peppers, mixed into pasta, roasted in savory dishes, or blanched, pureed, and made into soups and sauces. Beyond using the tomatoes whole or sliced, Red Grape tomatoes can be processed into jams, ketchup, and compotes. Red Grape tomatoes pair well with herbs such as basil, fennel, oregano, and parsley, peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, cucumbers, corn, cheeses including goat, feta, mozzarella, and parmesan, and meats such as turkey, poultry, beef, pork, and fish. Whole, unwashed Red Grape tomatoes should be immediately consumed for the best quality and flavor. The tomatoes can also be stored at room temperature for 2 to 5 days in a plastic clamshell or paper bag.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Grape tomatoes acquired their fruity moniker in the late 1990s in the United States. Florida farmer Andrew Chu was growing the Taiwanese Santa F1 tomatoes in his garden in 1997 in hopes of introducing the small tomatoes to American consumer markets. The tomatoes did not initially attract attention and were only purchased by a small number of local families in Chu’s hometown. Chu decided to send the tomatoes to East Coast leaders in the produce industry to sample and try, but before he shipped them, he renamed the tomatoes to Grape tomatoes. The name grape was given in honor of the tomato’s elongated, oblong shape, similar to actual grapes. Grape tomatoes were also named to distinguish the new variety from preexisting cherry tomato cultivars. In the early 2000s, Grape tomatoes widely increased in popularity over cherry tomatoes in the United States, and the grape moniker became established as the most recognized descriptor for the small tomatoes.
Geography/History
Grape tomatoes were developed in Southeast Asia in the late 20th century by the Known-You Seed Company in Taiwan. The small tomatoes were created from traditional cross-breeding techniques, and the first commercially successful hybrid cultivar was named Santa F1. Not long after the tomato’s release in Taiwan, Grape tomatoes were being grown in China, where they were favored for their small size, sweet flavor, and dense texture. In 1996, Grape tomato seeds were sent from Taiwan and were planted in the garden of farmer Andrew Chu in Florida. Chu recalled that his friend in Taiwan told him about the new tomatoes and that the small cultivar was quickly increasing in popularity across Asia. Grape tomatoes were not immediately successful in the United States and were initially purchased by a small number of consumers. In 1997, Chu began shipping the tomatoes up the East Coast to buyers and store managers, quickly attracting attention. By 2001, Grape tomatoes were outselling cherry tomatoes 10 to 1 in the United States and were being grown by several companies. Today Grape tomatoes are sold fresh through farmer’s markets, supermarkets, distributors, and specialty food stores. Seeds can also be purchased through online retailers for home garden cultivation.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Better Buzz Coffee (Hillcrest) | San Diego CA | 858-488-0400 |
| Siamo Napoli | San Diego CA | 619-300-4810 |
| Bayside Landing | San Diego CA | 858-270-9200 |
| The Good Seed Food Company | San Diego CA | 818-800-6935 |
| Peohes | Coronado CA | 619-437-4474 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| Pali Wine Company | San Diego CA | 310-893-0038 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
| Our Green Affair | San Diego CA | 858-337-9196 |
| Better Buzz Coffee (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 760-487-5562 |
| Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens | Escondido CA | 760-294-7866 |
| Don Pietro | San Diego CA | 619-255-7205 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Birds Eye - Prep Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-780-0974 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 858-208-9422 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Better Buzz Coffee (La Jolla) | La Jolla CA | 619-269-4022 |
| Pendry SD (Lion Fish) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| Local Greens Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-487-9346 |
| Madison | San Diego CA | 619-822-3465 |
| Turf Supper Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-6363 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Semola | La Jolla CA | 858-247-9670 |
| Nishiki Ramen | San Diego CA | 858-987-0222 |
| Oside Kitchen Collaborative | Oceanside CA | 619-807-7161 |
| Bread & Cie Café | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| Smoking Gun | San Diego CA | 619-276-6700 |
| Park 101 | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-2217 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Seasalt | Del Mar CA | 858-755-7100 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| Brigantine Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| Blind Lady | San Diego CA | 619-381-4475 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Sheldons Service Station | La Mesa CA | 619-741-8577 |
| Pascucci Pasta | San Diego CA | 619-285-8000 |
| The Bellows | San Marcos CA | 619-395-6325 |
| Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 619-990-0158 |
| Harumama Teriyaki & Bao | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5737 |
| Herb & Sea | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-379-2574 |
| Mesa College | San Diego CA | 619-388-2240 |
| Uprising Pizza | El Cajon CA | 619-928-3286 |
| Le Papagayo (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 760-944-8252 |
| Fernside | San Diego CA | 619-398-5156 |
| Wheat & Water | La Jolla CA | 858-291-8690 |
| Haidilao Hot Pot San Diego Inc. | San Diego CA | 510-861-7657 |
| The Bier Garden | Encinitas CA | 760-632-2437 |
| Orfila Vineyards & Winery | Oceanside CA | 760-738-6500 |
| Green Dragon Tavern & Museum | Carlsbad CA | 760-797-5579 |
| Rosemary Trattoria | Coronado CA | 619-669-8435 |
| Shakespeare's Corner Shoppe & Afternoon Tea | San Diego CA | 619-683-2748 |
| Belmont Park Draft | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Craft Kitchen | La Mesa CA | 619-461-4887 |
| Primal Balance Nutrition LLC | San Marcos CA | 760-822-2904 |
| Nishiki Ramen - Mira Mesa | San Diego CA | 808-561-1090 |
| Better Buzz Coffee (Mission) | San Diego CA | 858-488-0400 |
| Feast and Fareway | Coronado CA | 619-356-5444 |
| The Tavern | Coronado CA | 602-628-5890 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Chateau La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-459-4451 |
| Crust Pizzeria-Carmel | San Diego CA | 858-212-8751 |
| Ciccia Osteria | San Diego CA | 619-674-4069 |
| Pacific Coast Grill | Solana Beach CA | 858-794-4632 |
| Paradise Point Resort Tidal | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Olive Tree Marketplace | San Diego CA | 619-224-0443 |
| Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 2 | Poway CA | 858-397-2922 |
| Wolf In the Woods | San Diego CA | 619-851-7275 |
| Ketch Grill and Taps | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Revolution Roasters | Oceanside CA | 760-330-6827 |
| Hilton Harbor Island | San Diego CA | 619-291-6700 |
| Urban Kitchen at The Shell | San Diego CA | 619-980-4807 |
| Regents Pizzeria | La Jolla CA | 858-550-0406 |
| Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Ale Tales Taproom | San Diego CA | 301-536-1934 |
| Brigantine Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2871 |
| Moniker Coffee Company | San Diego CA | 541-450-2402 |
| Sbicca | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1001 |
| Maderas Golf Club | Poway CA | 858-451-8100 |
| Pete's Seafood and Sandwich | San Diego CA | 619-852-1493 |
| Hilton Garden Inn | San Diego CA | 858-720-9500 |
| Portside Pier (Brigantine) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Oscars Brewing Company | Temecula CA | 619-695-2422 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| The Crack Shack-San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-795-3299 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe 1 | San Diego CA | 858-405-2401 |
| Jack & Giulio's | San Diego CA | 619-294-2074 |
| Coasterra | San Diego CA | 619-814-1300 |
| Carte Blanche Bistro & Bar | Oceanside CA | 619-297-3100 |
| Belmont Park Cannonball | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Tap Room Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 619-539-7738 |
| Barrel Republic Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 619-204-5945 |
| Monarch School | San Diego CA | 619-651-6604 |
| Wonderland Ocean Pub | San Diego CA | 619-255-3358 |
| Rubicon Deli-UTC | San Diego CA | 858-877-9911 |
| Casero Taqueria | Carlsbad CA | 760-533-4997 |
| Knotty Barrel- Rancho | San Diego CA | 858-484-8758 |
| Viejas Casino Banquets | Alpine Ca | 619-295-3172 |
| Searcher | San Diego CA | 619-226-2403 |
| Mimmos Italian Village | San Diego CA | 619-239-3710 |
| Chateau Lake San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-670-5807 |
| Urbn Pizza Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-255-7300 |
| The Corner Drafthouse | San Diego CA | 619-255-2631 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Continental Catering Inc | La Mesa CA | 907-738-9264 |
| Churchill's Pub and Grille | San Marcos CA | 760-471-8773 |
| Isola La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5566 |
| Elixir De La Lune | La Jolla CA | 619-985-8979 |
| La Clochette Du Coin-Pacific Beach | San Diego CA | 619-402-7911 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Caffe Calabria Coffee Roasting Company | San Diego CA | 619-683-7787 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill | Vista CA | 760-509-4424 |
| Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Morning Glory | San Diego CA | 619-629-0302 |
| California Center for the Arts | Escondido CA | 760-839-4107 |
| Donna Jean | San Diego CA | 619-299-5500 |
| Culinary Concepts | San Diego CA | 858-518-0148 |
| Verbena Kitchen LLC | San Diego CA | 609-458-1672 |
| The Roxy Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 760-230-2899 |
| Head Lettuce | La Jolla CA | 516-507-0101 |
| Bantams Roost Public House | Carlsbad CA | 858-245-7166 |
| Little Italy Pizzeria and Pasta | San Diego CA | 619-220-0025 |
| Harumama Noodles & Buns (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 858-886-9909 |
| Voltaire Beach House | San Diego CA | 858-213-7638 |
| Stone Brewing-Liberty Station | San Diego CA | 619-269-2100 |
| Beaumont's | San Diego CA | 858-459-0474 |
| Pacific Regent La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-597-8008 |
| Word of Mouth Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-705-3752 |
| Hotel Republic San Diego | San Diego CA | 951-756-9357 |
| Public House 131 | San Diego CA | 858-537-0890 |
| Ulivo | San Diego CA | 619-962-7345 |
| Bayhill Tavern | San Diego CA | 858-288-6923 |
| Rovino The Foodery | San Diego CA | 619-204-3666 |
| Isola Pizza Bar | San Diego CA | 619-564-2938 |
| Jimmy O's | Del Mar CA | 858-350-3732 |
| Sovereign Thai Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619-887-2000 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
| Bernardo Heights Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-487-4022 |
| Piatti | San Diego CA | 858-454-1589 |
| Nishiki Ramen (Hillcrest) | San Diego CA | 619-764-5416 |
| The Shout House | San Diego CA | 619-231-6700 |
| Madam Bonnies | San Diego CA | 619-432-1383 |
| Rubicon Deli India Street | San Diego CA | 619-200-4201 |
| Pendry SD (Pool House) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Coronado Yacht Club | Coronado CA | 619-435-1848 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| Green Acres Campus 2020 | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
| Black Raill Kitchen + Bar | Carlsbad CA | 619-454-9182 |
| Point Loma Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-223-1109 |
| Ridgeview Health Center | San Diego CA | 858-293-3950 |
| Storyhouse Spirits | San Diego CA | 801-949-5955 |
| Barrel Republic Escondido | Escondido CA | 760-795-0006 |
| Vagabond Sportfishing Inc. | San Diego CA | 619-993-9575 |
| Kairoa Brewing Company | San Diego CA | 858-735-0051 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Grape Cherry Tomatoes. One
is easiest, three is harder.
