Yellow Grape Cherry Tomatoes
Estimated Inventory, 12 ct : 0
Description/Taste
Yellow Grape tomato varieties share several common characteristics: they are petit, glossy and thin-skinned, with two seed cavities, and they are known for their low acidity and mild, sweet flavors. The plants of the tomatoes are characterized as either determinate or indeterminate: determinate, or bush, varieties do not need pruning and may be grown with or without support. The fruit of determinate plants ripens within a concentrated time period. Indeterminate, or climbing, varieties should be staked, trellised, or caged, and pruned for best results. The fruit of indeterminate plants ripens over an extended period of time, as their name implies.
Seasons/Availability
Yellow Grape tomatoes are available during the summer and into the fall.
Current Facts
Yellow Grape is a branding name given to tomatoes that have naturally mutated into an oval shape, with a yellow exterior. Their yellow coloring is due to a recessive gene contained in the tomato’s genetic makeup. Thanks to naturally occurring mutations, such as the grape-like shape of these tomatoes, the small, berry-like wild tomato has evolved into thousands of varieties of tomatoes, scientifically referred to as either Lycopersicon esculentum or Solanum lycopersicum, as debate over the botanical classification continues in the world of horticulture. There are dozens of Yellow Grape tomato varieties, both heirloom and hybrid, such as Lemon Fizz, Morning Sun, and the legendary Hssiao His Hung Shih from Peiping, China.
Nutritional Value
Tomatoes have high levels of lycopene, a natural antioxidant, which can reduce chances of developing prostate, colorectal and stomach cancer. Tomatoes contain a great deal of vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as vitamin B and potassium, which make them effective in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. Thus, including tomatoes in a balanced diet can help to prevent heart attacks, strokes, or other heart-related problems.
Applications
Yellow Grape tomatoes can be substituted for cherry tomatoes in almost any recipe, although their flavor stands alone, making them great for snacking, or serving fresh on salads. Mature fruits can be cooked and processed to make compotes and jams. They can also be used in soups, sauces and salsa. Pair Yellow Grape tomatoes with other ingredients that are in season to get the most flavor from your dish, as fruits and vegetables require a certain soil temperature and level of sunlight to synthesize sugar and flavor components. Like all varieties of Grape tomatoes, store Yellow Grape tomatoes at room temperature until they are ripe, after which refrigeration can slow deterioration.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Grape tomatoes are a hybrid from Taiwan, and were first grown in North America in 1996. Andrew Chu, a tomato farmer in Manatee County, Florida, imported “Santa F1” tomato seeds and turned them into a commercial success. He first introduced the branding name “Grape tomato” in 1998. By 2001, Grape tomatoes were outselling cherry tomatoes in their available markets around North America.
Geography/History
All tomato cultivars can trace their heritage to coastal South America, where eleven species of wild tomatoes have been growing for millions of years. Cherry tomatoes evolved from wild tomatoes, and are believed to have been the first domesticated species, cultivated by Mesoamerican farmers as early as 700 AD. It wasn't until the early 1900s that tomato breeders reported oval or grape-shaped tomatoes, distinguished by a constriction at the ends of the fruit.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Yellow Grape Cherry Tomatoes. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Local Kitchen |
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Cherry Tomato Confit |
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