Region of Origin
Commodity:
Tomato Cherry
Description & Origin
Cherry tomato is a catch-all name for many varieties of small round tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are typically one to two inches in diameter and come in a rainbow of colors and patterns. In comparison to other tomatoes, they are often sweeter because the flavor is concentrated in a small package. Cherry tomatoes can range in texture from crisp and firm to thin-skinned and tender. Like large tomatoes,...
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Cherry tomatoes contain the same vitamins and minerals as other tomatoes. In particular, cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin A. Tomatoes are famous for their high content of lycopene, a carotenoid with antioxidant properties that has been studied for its link to a lower risk of some cancers.
Our Varieties
Tomato Cherry On-the-Vine
AKA: Mini Sweet Tomatoes On-the-Vine
Description
Growers put in extra effort to harvest and ship cherry tomatoes on-the-vine. These gorgeous, bright red cherry tomatoes are bred to grow on uniform stems. Each stem is picked and packed without removing the fruit from the stem. This harvesting method allows for the fruits to be picked at a more complete stage of ripeness, meaning you often get a slightly sweeter, more flavorful product. The size of fruits is consistent throughout the case, but can range from one to two inches in diameter.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Cherry tomatoes on the vine are most popular for their eye-catching presentation. Despite being produced in massive industrial greenhouses, these tomatoes are able to give dishes a charming, farmers market appearance. They are often used on boards of all kinds or roasted with the vine still attached for presentation when staging photographs or plating. They can also be removed from the vine, but the stem left intact. The vine or stem is removed prior to consumption.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Tomato Cherry Red
Description
Red cherry tomatoes are petite, round, sweet, crisp, and juicy with a classic tomato flavor. They are typically sweeter than your average red round tomato. Red cherry tomatoes typically range in size from one to two inches in diameter. Typically produced in large, industrial greenhouses for year-round commercial markets, red cherry tomatoes are extremely consistent, although there is some variation from cultivar to cultivar.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Red cherry tomatoes are the most common – even ubiquitous – cherry tomato variety. They are a classic part of veggie trays and have become an internet sensation as part of the Instagram-famous “feta pasta.”
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Tomato Cherry Yellow
Description
Yellow cherry tomatoes are petite, glossy, round, sweet, tender-crisp, and meaty with a vivid yellow color that can have green undertones. Yellow cherry tomatoes tend to be a bit sweeter than their red counterparts with a funky, fruity flavor.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Yellow cherry tomatoes are an excellent way to add color and diversity of flavor to salads and sauces. They will produce a rich, thick golden-yellow sauce with a sophisticated, complex flavor profile.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Cherry tomatoes are a versatile workhorse in the kitchen. They can be enjoyed out-of-hand as a snack or crudité, but are perhaps most iconic as an addition to green salads. Recently, cherry tomatoes have become popular as a cooking tomato as well. Blistered, roasted, or seared cherry tomatoes condense into a rich sauce with a sweet, concentrated tomato flavor that can be used on pasta or as accompaniment to chicken or seafood dishes.
Flavor Pairings
Lettuce, Cucumber, Radish, Avocado, Asparagus, Garlic, Onion, Green Bean, Snap Pea, Zucchini, Watermelon, Strawberry, Basil, Mint, Rosemary, Rice, Pasta, Mozzarella, Feta, Goat Cheese, Chicken, Fish, Shellfish
How to Prepare
Thoroughly rinse and dry cherry tomatoes before use. Use whole, halved, or quartered.
How to Store in the Kitchen
To best maintain their flavor, cherry tomatoes should be stored at a cool room temperature, out of direct sunlight. Refrigeration will extend shelf life, but negatively impact flavor and texture. If tomatoes have been refrigerated, let them sit in a room temperature for approximately thirty minutes before consumption.
Fight Food Waste Tips for root to stem cooking
Cherry tomatoes can be dried or cooked into sauce and frozen to preserve for future use.
Warehouse Storage & Handling
Maintain these conditions for optimal short-term storage shelf life.*
IDEAL STORAGE TEMP:
50-55°F
RECOMMENDED TEMP STORAGE ZONE:
55-60°F
RELATIVE HUMIDITY:
90-95%
PRODUCES ETHYLENE:
Yes – Moderate
SENSITIVE TO ETHYLENE:
Yes – Medium
ETHYLENE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Do not store with ethylene-sensitive items. Do not store with ethylene-producing items unless a ripening effect is desired.
RIPENS AFTER HARVEST:
Yes – Cherry tomatoes will continue to soften after harvest, enhancing the flavor.
PROFESSIONAL RIPENING RECOMMENDED:
No – Professional ripening is not required.
Quality Assessment
Cherry tomatoes should be firm but give slightly to pressure. They should be round and well-formed, although the exact size and shape can vary by variety. The fruit should have well developed color without an excess of green on the shoulders. Tomatoes should be free from excessive softness, decay, mold, excessive scarring, broken skin, or discoloration.
Important Handling
Cherry tomatoes are thin-skinned and relatively fragile. In order to ensure quality, cherry tomatoes should be handled with care. Do not stack cherry tomatoes too high and avoid tossing the boxes.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, cherry tomatoes may last up to 7-10 days.
