Region of Origin
Commodity:
Tomato Grape
Description & Origin
Grape tomatoes are small snacking tomatoes characterized by their oblong shape and meaty texture. They tend to have a classic tomato flavor and a good balance of sweetness and acidity. Grape tomatoes are relatively thick-skinned with a crisp texture. In comparison to cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes are less watery and have a meatier flesh. They also tend to have a slightly longer shelf life than c...
Health Benefits & Nutrition
Grape 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 Grape Red
Description
Red grape tomatoes are small and slightly oblong. They have a smooth and glossy skin and are generally bright red when fully ripe. Red grape tomatoes have a classic “tomato” flavor with excellent balance.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Red grape tomatoes are versatile and can be eaten fresh or cooked. The meaty flesh of red grape tomatoes holds up particularly well to roasting. Their excellent shelf life also makes them a favorite choice of chefs and consumers.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Tomato Grape Yellow
Description
Yellow grape tomatoes are petite and slightly oblong. They have a smooth and glossy texture and a golden-yellow color. They are often sweeter than red grape tomatoes with a fruity, rich flavor.
Variety Tips & Tricks
Yellow grape tomatoes are a great addition to salads, sauces, and more. Their savory, rich flavor adds complexity to roasted dishes. Caramelizing these sweet tomatoes makes for a decadent dish. Meatier than a yellow cherry tomato, yellow grape tomatoes maintain some shape in sauces and offer a burst of delicious sweet-acid tomato flavor.
Commercial Availability (Grown for the US Market)
Foodservice Tips
Traditional Culinary Uses
Grape tomatoes are traditionally enjoyed fresh, eaten out of hand, incorporated into salads, or added to sandwiches. They are also excellent cooked. Their meaty texture makes a sweet, rich, chunky sauce that is excellent for pizzas and pastas, particularly when they are first caramelized by broiling, searing, or roasting to bring out their sweetness.
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 grape tomatoes before use. Use whole, halved, or quartered.
How to Store in the Kitchen
To best maintain their flavor, grape 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
Grape 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
SUBJECT TO CHILLING INJURY:
Yes – Tomatoes are subject to chilling injury when stored under 50°F, particularly when returned to higher temperatures. The riper the tomato, the better it can handle cold temperatures.
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
Grape tomatoes should be firm but give slightly to pressure. The inside should be meaty, but still juicy. They should be plump, elongated, and well-formed. 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
Store grape tomatoes out of direct sunlight and away from ethylene sensitive produce. Use care when handling to avoid damage that can lead to decay.
Optimum Shelf Life
Depending on variety, conditions at harvest, and handling, grape tomatoes may last up to 7-10 days.
