Cherry Tomatoes
Estimated Inventory, 12 ct : 97.67
This item was last sold on : 11/19/24
Description/Taste
Cherry tomatoes are small, bite-sized fruits that come in over 100 varieties. They tend to be about 2.5 centimeters wide, though they can vary in size. Cherry tomatoes can be red, yellow, orange, green, or dark purple. Their skin tends to be firm, thin, and smooth. The flesh of Cherry tomatoes is juicy and succulent. Its seed pockets are filled with yellow seeds surrounding light-colored flesh. They have a sweet, fresh, and tangy scent with a slightly earthy aroma. Cherry tomatoes are sweeter and milder in flavor than larger-sized tomatoes. They have a mild tartness that varies depending on the type of Cherry tomato.
Seasons/Availability
Cherry tomatoes are available year-round with a peak season in the summer.
Current Facts
Cherry tomatoes are botanically classified as Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme and are part of the Solanaceae family. They are categorized as either an heirloom or hybrid. Heirloom Cherry tomatoes have been reproduced for generations without crossbreeding, whereas hybrid Cherry tomatoes are the result of crossing two different varieties. They are called 'Cherry tomatoes' because many varieties are roughly the size of a cherry, though some can grow up to twice that size. Most Cherry tomatoes are bred to have a juicy texture that bursts when eaten, eliminating the need for peeling, deseeding, or chopping before consumption. Cherry tomatoes are often compared to Grape tomatoes because they are both bite-sized. The difference is that as their name indicates, Grape tomatoes have a more oblong, grape shape. They also tend to have thicker skin than Cherry tomatoes. Popular varieties of Cherry tomatoes include Isis Cherry, Indigo Rose, Black cherry, Rose tomato, Lemon Cherry, Sungold, Sweet Million, and Sunrise Bumble Bee.
Nutritional Value
Cherry tomatoes contain vitamins A, C, and E. These nutrients can help with vision, skin, heart, and reproductive health, immune support, iron absorption, collagen production, and inflammation prevention. Cherry tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which may benefit bone health, limit UV damage to the skin, and potentially lower the risk of diseases like stroke, osteoporosis, and prostate cancer. Cherry tomatoes contain potassium, which can help with blood pressure regulation, fluid balance, muscle function, and bone health. Though the fruit of Cherry tomatoes is entirely edible, eating too many of them may cause acid reflux in some people due to their malic acid content.
Applications
Cherry tomatoes can be eaten fresh, steamed, sauteed, roasted, pickled, or sundried. In their raw form, Cherry tomatoes can be eaten by themselves, tossed into a salad, used in a bruschetta recipe, diced up for salsa, or served on a vegetable platter. Raw Cherry tomatoes go well with greens like spinach, iceberg lettuce, arugula, and kale and can be used in Greek, Caesar, and corn salads. They can be roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper or blanched, peeled, and flash-blistered on the grill to give them a smoky flavor. Cherry tomatoes can be used as a topping or in the sauce of a variety of pasta dishes, such as pomodoro, baked rigatoni, risotto, and ravioli. They can be used as toppings for hot dogs or pizza or in dishes like enchiladas, frittatas, shakshuka, dal soup, and focaccia bread. Cherry tomatoes pair well with seafood like mussels, tilapia, halibut, tuna, shrimp, and salmon. They pair well with ingredients like roasted chicken, skirt steak, chorizo, sausage, bell peppers, poblano peppers, zucchini, eggplant, asparagus, corn, potatoes, chickpeas, white beans, fennel, beets, shallots, ginger, cumin, thyme, basil, mint, mozzarella, feta cheese, kalamata olives, capers, pesto, okra, cucumber, and bacon. All varieties of Cherry tomatoes should be stored away from direct sunlight at room temperature for approximately two to three days or until ripe and ready to use. They should then be refrigerated to slow the process of decay and prevent them from ripening further.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The exact origins of the Cherry tomatoes are not known, though there are many different places where they are said to have originated. It’s thought that the first Cherry tomatoes were cultivated in South America and then brought to Europe. The Greek Island of Santorini also claims to be the first place to grow Cherry tomatoes. Israel is known for creating the first commercially viable Cherry tomatoes and perfecting many different varieties over the years. The global popularization of Cherry tomatoes occurred in the 1970s and 80s, largely due to a British grocery chain called Marks & Spencer. This company worked with Israeli breeders to develop Cherry tomatoes that were shelf-stable and distinctly sweet. Before they became popular as a standalone food, Cherry tomatoes were mainly used as a garnish.
Geography/History
Cherry tomatoes are descendants of the wild tomato, which is said to have originated in the Andes Mountains of South America. Tomatoes were then cultivated by the Incas and Aztecs around 700 A.D. which traces back millions of years to coastal South America. The first evidence of tomatoes grown as small as Cherry tomatoes dates back to the mid-early 1600s, though Cherry tomatoes were not commercialized until the late 20th century. Cherry tomatoes grow in hot and warm climates with plenty of sun exposure. They can handle humidity but do not tolerate cold weather. As a cultivated variety selectively bred to be small, Cherry tomatoes are not found in the wild but are grown commercially or in home gardens. Cherry tomatoes rose to popularity in the 1980s after being bred and marketed for their convenient small size and sweet taste. They are a popular food worldwide and can be found in grocery stores, farmers’ markets, specialty stores, and home gardens.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Madi | San Diego CA | 320-491-1217 |
| Monarch School (Nutrition Lab) | San Diego CA | 619-804-1766 |
| Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Regency Twin Oaks | San Marcos CA | 909-325-6941 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Vogue Tavern | Chula Vista CA | 619-371-3322 |
| Bayhill Tavern | San Diego CA | 858-288-6923 |
| Crust Pizzeria Carlsbad 2019 | Carlsbad CA | 760-944-1111 |
| Sushi Nekosan | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0999 |
| Red Tail Catering | San Marcos CA | 858-605-8219 |
| Humphrey's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
| Pacific Yacht Agents | Los Angeles CA | 808-214-0970 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
| The Tavern | Coronado CA | 602-628-5890 |
| Coco Maya by Miss Bs | San Diego CA | 858-245-3780 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| University Club | San Diego CA | 619-234-5200 |
| Le Parfait Paris - Downtown | San Diego CA | 619-245-4457 |
| Mamas Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-233-6262 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Huntress (Banquet) | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Sbicca Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 619-417-2587 |
| Cesarina | San Diego CA | 619-226-6222 |
| Caffe Calabria Coffee Roasting Company | San Diego CA | 619-683-7787 |
| The Guild Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-764-5108 |
| Mitch's Seafood | San Diego CA | 619-316-7314 |
| Green Acres Campus | San Diego CA | 858-450-9907 |
| Menya Ultra (La Jolla) | San Diego CA | 619-632-2704 |
| Books and Records | San Diego CA | 619-310-5298 |
| Village Pizzaria | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Hotel La Jolla - Sea & Sky | La Jolla CA | 858-459-0261 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Portside Pier (TopSail) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| The Plot | Oceanside CA | 422-266-8200 |
| Casero Taqueria | Carlsbad CA | 760-533-4997 |
| Tap Room Beer Co. | San Diego CA | 619-539-7738 |
| Urbn Pizza Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-255-7300 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| The Haven (Pizzeria) | San Diego CA | 619-964-3778 |
| Wrench and Rodent | Oceanside CA | 760-840-1976 |
| Le Papagayo (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 760-944-8252 |
| Dot Café | San Diego CA | 914-263-1424 |
| Panama 66 | San Diego CA | 619-206-6352 |
| Uptown Tavern | San Diego CA | 619-683-9322 |
| The Plot Express (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 760-445-6846 |
| Pete's Premade Paleo | San Diego CA | 770-359-8274 |
| Brigantine Corp | San Diego CA | 858 926 9644 |
| Brigantine Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-4166 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| Bencotto Italian Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-822-5493 |
| Pitchers | San Diego CA | 858-472-1251 |
| Seneca Bar | San Diego CA | 619-588-2411 |
| Monello (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-822-5493 |
| Sugar and Scribe | La Jolla CA | 858-274-1733 |
| Cutwater Spirits | San Diego CA | 619-672-3848 |
| Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0323 |
| Kitchens For Good | San Diego CA | 619-450-4040 |
| Brockton Villa Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-454-7393 |
| Coronado Yacht Club | Coronado CA | 619-435-1848 |
| Michele Coulon Dessertier | San Diego CA | 858-456-5098 |
| Pizza E Birra | San Diego CA | 619-916-8407 |
| Savory Moment (1) | El Cajon CA | 619-633-8863 |
| Public House 131 | San Diego CA | 858-537-0890 |
| Hilton Harbor Island | San Diego CA | 619-291-6700 |
| Encontro North Park | San Diego CA | 310-955-6333 |
| Counterpoint | San Diego CA | 619-564-6722 |
| Harumama Noodles & Buns (Encinitas) | Encinitas CA | 858-886-9909 |
| insideOUT | San Diego CA | 619-888-8623 |
| Graze | San Diego CA | 619-839-9852 |
| Primal Balance Nutrition LLC | Vista CA | 818-259-0995 |
| Park 101 | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-2217 |
| Salt & Whiskey | San Diego CA | 619-544-1886 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Isola La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5566 |
| SIE Culinary Management | San Diego CA | 858-964-8677 |
| Village Pizzeria Bay Side | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Jack & Giulio's | San Diego CA | 619-294-2074 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| Q&A Oyster Bar & Restaurant | Oceanside CA | 858-245-3780 |
| Boujiemana (La Maison) | San Diego CA | 415-710-0510 |
| The Kitchen at MCASD | La Jolla CA | 619-894-2051 |
| Harney Sushi | San Diego CA | 619-295-3272 |
| Bleu Boheme | San Diego CA | 619-255-4167 |
| Dough Momma | La Jolla CA | 858-346-6692 |
| HiroNori Ramen | San Diego CA | 619-446-9876 |
| Brigantine Imperial Beach | Imperial Beach CA | 619-591-1350 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Prey Brewing Company | Vista CA | 760-822-4226 |
| The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
| Marriott Del Mar | San Diego CA | 858-369-6029 |
| Pacific Coast Spirits | Oceanside CA | 925-381-5392 |
| Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst. | San Diego CA | 508-289-2667 |
| Seneca | San Diego CA | 619-588-2411 |
| Nobu | San Diego CA | 619-814-4124 |
| Puesto-Downtown | San Diego CA | 619-233-8880 |
| Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery | Del Mar CA | 858-792-2225 |
| The Loma Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-4653 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Sushi Ota 2021 | San Diego CA | 858-270-5047 |
| Portside Pier (Ketch Tasting Deck) | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Pascucci Pasta | San Diego CA | 619-285-8000 |
| Shore Rider | La Jolla CA | 858-412-5308 |
| Rustic Root | San Diego CA | 619-232-1747 |
| Kona Kai Resort and Marina | San Diego CA | 619-221-8000 |
| Bishop School | San Diego CA | 858-459-4021 |
| Azucar | San Diego CA | 619-523-2020 |
| Little Frenchie | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Toast Catering | San Diego CA | 619-795-9135 |
| Lucky Bolt | San Diego CA | 662-832-3638 |
| Pacific Terrace Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-581-3500 |
| Convention Center Shell | San Diego CA | 619-954-3063 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Blue Whale | La Jolla CA | 808-868-8639 |
| Sheraton La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-453-5500 |
| AC Hotel by Marriott SD | San Diego CA | 248-703-3310 |
| Hilton Garden Inn - Homewood Suites San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-696-6300 |
| Vagabond Sportfishing Inc. | San Diego CA | 619-993-9575 |
| Crust Pizzeria Solana Beach | Solana Beach CA | 858-212-8751 |
| Crust Pizzeria-Carmel | San Diego CA | 858-212-8751 |
| Elks Lodge 2698 -Donation | Lakeside CA | 619-390-4949 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-232-9840 |
| Shogun Sportfishing | San Diego CA | 619-226-8030 |
| Hotel Republic San Diego | San Diego CA | 951-756-9357 |
| Giaola | Carlsbad CA | 858-266-9303 |
| Harumama (Little Italy) | San Diego CA | 619-269-7122 |
| Fishery | San Diego CA | 858-272-9985 |
| Blue Ocean Sushi & Grill (UTC) | San Diego CA | 858-886-9909 |
| The Farm Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5585 |
| SB Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-350-3735 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines | La Jolla CA | 858-450-4581 |
| 333 Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-433-3333 |
| Mavericks Beach Club | San Diego CA | 858-999-0348 |
| Aztec Shop Catering | San Diego CA | 619 594-3576 |
| Boujiemana (TCW) | San Diego CA | 415-710-0510 |
| Under Belly-Uptown | San Diego CA | 619-269-4626 |
| C 2 C | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| Menya Ultra (Clairemont) | San Diego CA | 858-333-0256 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| The Country Club Of Rancho Bernardo | San Diego CA | 858-487-1134 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Home & Away - Old Town | San Diego CA | 619-886-1358 |
| Adobo House | San Diego CA | 619-990-8340 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| Sisters Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-228-6822 |
| Kensington Cafe | San Diego CA | 619-684-0044 Fausto |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| The Harvest Honey | San Marcos CA | 616-914-0124 |
| Belmont Park Draft | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Shimbashi Izakaya | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0479 |
| Boujiemana | San Diego CA | 415-710-0510 |
| Villa Capri Poway | Poway CA | 858-391-9400 |
| Pippo Pasta | La Jolla CA | 858-412-3432 |
| Brigantine La Mesa | La Mesa CA | 619-465-1935 |
| 619 Spirits | San Diego CA | 509-701-9534 |
| The Kitchen at Torrey View | San Diego CA | 702-489-2129 |
| Crackheads | Carlsbad CA | 760-450-6939 |
| Mikami | San Diego CA | 619-780-0974 |
| Coin-Op Game Room (Downtown) | San Diego CA | 619-255-8864 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (7 Mile) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| The Sushi Stand | San Diego CA | 619-394-2395 |
| Stout Public House | San Diego CA | 619-702-7933 |
| Bar Same Same (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-470-9143 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Cherry Tomatoes. One
is easiest, three is harder.Podcast
