The Differences Between Grape And Cherry Tomatoes, Revealed
If you’re confused about the difference between grape and cherry tomatoes, you’re not alone.
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Even the most seasoned home cooks can get these two confused; they look similar, but they are actually quite different.
Let’s take a look at what makes each type of tomato unique so you’ll know how to use them in your cooking.
What’s special about grape tomato?
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But what exactly makes grape tomatoes different from other tomato varieties?
The answer lies in their size, shape and color.
Grape tomatoes are typically around an inch in diameter—smaller than the average cherry or plum tomato.
This is because they’re actually about 30 percent larger than cherry tomatoes on average.
They also have a “grape” shape, which means their fruit sits above the stem rather than below it like most other tomatoes do (learn more about tomato anatomy here).
These unique properties give them a distinct appearance that’s unlike any other type of tomato out there—and there’s no question they taste great!
The flavor of grapes is much more intense than that of cherries because they’re so small; each bite packs more flavor into one mouthful than it would with a larger fruit like an heirloom tomato (which tends to be firmer and less juicy).
Their sweet yet tangy taste pairs well with salads, sandwiches or pastas—you can even use them as garnishes for fish dishes like ceviche or poke bowls!
What’s special about cherry tomato?
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Cherries are a popular variety of tomato because they are small, round and sweet.
They’re also juicy and easy to eat raw or cooked.
They’re popular for salads and snacking, but also for canning, sauces, freezing or stewing.
Cherries can be baked in the oven or roasted over the stovetop on a grill pan with some olive oil spray.
The small size of the cherry tomato makes it perfect for adding to pasta dishes like spaghetti sauce or lasagna filling; soups like minestrone soup; sandwiches such as BLTs (bacon lettuce tomato); omelets; pizza toppings; casseroles like macaroni & cheese casserole dishes and quiche recipes made with egg fillings; burgers (especially veggie burger recipes); side salads consisting mostly of leafy greens combined with tomatoes which may include cucumbers if available along with other vegetables such as carrots thinly sliced lengthwise into ribbons across their widths – so long as they’re not too thick since these will take longer than thin ones do when cooked at high temperatures).
Is a grape tomato the same as a cherry tomato?
The short answer is, “No.”
A grape tomato is a small variety of tomato that is round and plump and typically comes in red, yellow or purple hues.
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Because of their size and shape, they’re often called cherry tomatoes as well—but don’t confuse them with cherries!
Grape tomatoes have fewer seeds than regular cherry tomatoes (which means less work for you later), but they tend to be sweeter and have a more delicate texture than their larger counterparts.
Grape tomatoes are also more expensive than your average cherry or plum tomato because they’re harder to grow due to their small size.
The good news?
You’ll only need about one for each serving of pasta sauce or salad dressing you make—so these pricey little fruits are definitely worth the splurge!
Grape tomato vs cherry tomato: What’re the differences?
Unlike cherry tomatoes, which are small and round, grape tomatoes are larger and oblong.
They also have a smoother skin and a thicker flesh than cherry tomatoes.
The texture of the two tomato varieties is similar, but they differ slightly in their taste and appearance.
Grapes have more seeds than cherries, which could be either an advantage or disadvantage depending on how you cook them.
Grape tomatoes are firm when picked fresh from the plant but become softer as they age in storage or ripen on the vine.
Cherry tomatoes stay firm even after being picked.
Grape tomato vs cherry tomato: What’re the similarities?
In spite of their differences, grape tomatoes and cherry tomatoes have several things in common.
Both are small and round, but their size isn’t the only similarity between them.
These fruits can both be sweet and juicy, making them popular for snacking on or adding to salads.
You’ll also find these fruits in sandwiches, pasta dishes, stir-fries and pizzas—and many other recipes!
So if you’re looking for something small and red (or yellowish-orange), choose either a grape tomato or a cherry tomato—either will do the trick!
Which one is better: grape tomato or cherry tomato?
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Both grapes and cherry tomatoes are varieties of tomato, but that’s where the similarities end.
The grape tomato is also known as a “grape cherry,” while the name “cherry” refers to both varieties.
Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
On one hand, the grape variety is larger than its smaller counterpart; on the other hand, it has a more distinct flavor than its smaller counterpart (which can be good or bad depending on your preferences).
Conclusion
Grape tomatoes and cherry tomatoes are two similar varieties of tomato, but there are some important differences between them.
While cherry tomatoes tend to be smaller in size and sweeter in flavor than grape tomatoes, the latter variety can be grown more easily from seed and is less sensitive to changes in temperature.
Also, there is a growing preference for grape tomatoes over cherries among home gardeners because they make an excellent addition to salads or other dishes where you want small pieces of fresh fruit without any seeds.
If you’re looking for a versatile tomato that can be used in many different ways, consider planting grape tomatoes instead!
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