It’s no surprise that many people find it hard to tell a Cherry Tomato from a Grape Tomato – both varieties are usually small and sweet. But there are some key differences between these two delicious and versatile Tomato gems – you just need to know what you’re looking for!
This blog will clearly explain the differences (and similarities) between Cherry Tomatoes and Grape Tomatoes so that you know exactly what variety to use for your next recipe idea.
Cherry Vs. Grape Tomatoes:
What’s the Difference?
Shape
One of the main differences you will find between a Grape versus a Cherry Tomato is its shape. The easiest way to remember the difference between the two is by paying attention to their name!
A Grape Tomato is shaped like a typical grape – most grow to be a longer, oval shape.
Grape tomatoes are long and oval shaped
In comparison, a typical Cherry Tomato is shaped like a cherry – most grow perfectly round!
Most Cherry tomatoes grow perfectly round
Flavor Profile
Although the flavors of both a Grape and a Cherry Tomato may seem similar at first, you can taste a big difference between the two if you pay close attention.
A Grape Tomato is often given the following flavor profile:
- Perfect sugar to acid balance for a rich, sweet taste
- Meaty & crunchy
- Classic ‘Tomato’ taste, like you just picked it from the garden
To compare, a Cherry Tomato usually delivers a different set of flavors:
- Very sweet, almost candy-like
- Incredibly juicy and fresh flavor
- Crisp bite – your best bet is to eat a Cherry Tomato by popping it right into your mouth!
As you can see, other than some slight differences, both Cherry and Grape Tomatoes have a sweet, garden-fresh flavor – but which do you find the sweetest? Share which is your favorite in the comments below!
Nutrition
When it comes to Cherry and Grape Tomatoes, their nutritional value is very comparable. That means that no matter what type you prefer, you’re going to get the same health benefits from both!
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, as well as vitamin A and vitamin C. Lycopene is known as a cancer-fighting agent, and vitamin A and vitamin C are known for maintaining healthy skin, good vision, a strong immune system, and a healthy heart. What more could you want from these amazing superfoods?
All Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, vitamin A and vitamin C.
Color
Most of the time, you will find Red Grape and Red Cherry Tomatoes at the grocery store. However, there are dozens of different seed varieties in both of these Tomato categories, and diversity in seeds means there is room for different colors to appear!
In our TOMZ® Medley Tomato package, for example, you may find Red Grape, Red Cherry, Orange Grape, or Brown Cherry Tomatoes – it’s always a surprise!
NatureFresh™ Farms Orange Grape Tomatoes ready for picking
In addition, we grow many different colored Grape and Cherry Tomatoes in our Discovery Center – any given season, you may find Orange, Yellow, Brown, and Pink Grape and Cherry Tomatoes! We are always eager to try our hand at growing uniquely-colored varieties in these two categories.
NatureFresh™ Farms Yellow Cherry Tomatoes ripening on a Tomato plant
Our Favorite Recipes
As you can see, Cherry and Grape Tomatoes are very similar – which makes it easy to substitute one for the other in many recipes! It really boils down to what your personal taste preference is between the two.
These are some of our favorite recipes that call for Grape Tomatoes (but that you can easily substitute with Cherry Tomatoes):
Veggie Lovers Pizza
Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fruit & Veggie Kebabs
These are some of our favorite recipes that call for Cherry Tomatoes (but that you can easily substitute with Grape Tomatoes):
Tomato Watermelon Salad
Cherry Tomato Bruschetta
Tomato Risotto
Get More From Your Tomatoes
For more information about Grape versus Cherry Tomatoes, as well as any other Tomato variety that you can possibly think of, check out our Tomato Lover’s Guide to Every Type of Tomato. Discover best uses, typical characteristics, flavor profiles, and more delicious recipe ideas!
