Blogs by ehealthlyf.com, last updated on 09/08/2023.
10 minutes read
Just as cute as they look, Cherry Tomatoes are delightfully sweet and juicy fruits with a lot of health benefits. They are a type of small, round tomato believed to be an intermediate mixture of wild currant tomatoes and domesticated garden tomatoes.
You can be struck with awe knowing the benefits of cherry tomatoes. Let us go through it in detail, to understand why growing them in the house is beneficial.
Health Benefits of Cherry Tomatoes
- They contain lycopene, an antioxidant that reduces the risk of heart disease. Lycopene also helps with issues like inflammation and blood clotting. This may minimize your risk of ischemic strokes, which occur due to the prevention of blood flow to the brain because of the formation of blood clots.
- Recent research has shown that cherry tomatoes are anti-carcinogenic as they have an abundance of Vitamin C, which fights cancer cells. Research also suggests that a higher intake of tomatoes may reduce your risk of prostate cancer in particular.
- They protect the eyes from light-induced damage.
- They are filled with vitamins and minerals that promote good health and boost immunity.
- It is also used in both skin and hair care. Lycopene, present in cherry tomatoes, naturally protects the skin from the sun. Those with oily skin can apply it to the face to prevent acne and pimples.
- Ideal foods that can be incorporated into a weight loss meal plan. They are very low in sodium, saturated fats, and cholesterol. And high in dietary fibers that can help you curb your unwanted hunger. The carbs in cherry tomatoes are also low enough to be included in all carb-conscious diets.
Now, if you are confused about the difference between cherry tomatoes and regular tomatoes, well, it’s mainly about their size and taste. Yes, you heard me right. Regular tomatoes are bigger and have a little tangy flavor, while cherry tomatoes are small, crunchy, and juicy. The nutritional values of both are comparable.
Cherry Tomatoes Nutrition
All types of tomatoes are packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, fatty acids, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds.
They are an incredible source of Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as B. They also contain minerals such as calcium, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium. They are also rich in carotenoids, an antioxidant normally found in red, orange, and yellow fruits.
Prominent carotenoids in cherry tomatoes include:
- Lycopene: This compound is responsible for the color of cherry tomatoes. Further, it helps decrease cardiovascular diseases.
- Beta carotene: This antioxidant is converted into Vitamin A inside the human body. Beta carotene also helps prevent heart disease and cancer.
- Lutein: Lutein is known for its anti-inflammatory actions that shield the eye and improve brain functions.
Types of Cherry Tomatoes
There are many varieties of cherry tomatoes according to their shape, size, and taste. Knowing about the types will help you decide which one to grow. Let’s briefly talk about some easy-to-grow, tasty types.
1. Tiny Tim
Determinate
Tiny-tim tomatoes have a bushy appearance and are small, making them ideal for container growth. Despite their size, tiny tim produce masses of tasty, bright red fruits that can be harvested within a few months of planting. They also perform better with less sunlight compared to many other varieties.
2. Sungold Tomatoes
Indeterminate
These are golden yellow tomatoes that produce clusters of 8-12 fruits per stem in the summer. They have a unique flavor. These can grow 6-10 feet tall when mature, and they continue to fruit until the frosts of fall arrive.
3. Super Sweet 100
Indeterminate
These are some of the best-tasting cherry tomatoes. The name itself can indicate the sweetness of the fruit. Super Sweet 100 can grow 8-10 feet tall and can hold up to 100 tomatoes on each plant. These tomatoes are also great when dehydrated or sundried.
4. Yellow Pear
Indeterminate
Yellow pear tomatoes consist of bright yellow tomatoes that grow 1-2 inches long when ripe. These pear-shaped delicious tomatoes have a mild, sweet flavor. They are highly susceptible to disease and might need a cage or stake for support.
5. Sweet Million
Indeterminate
Sweet million tomatoes are very sweet and low in acid, making them perfect for salads. The fruit grows in clusters, with a few dozen in each cluster.
6. Power Pops
Indeterminate
Power Pops tomatoes are vibrant red in color. These fruits ripen two weeks before other cherry types. It also has a higher nutritional value than other tomatoes.
7. Sweetie
Indeterminate
These cherry tomatoes can be grown in cool, wet conditions and harvested very early. Yet they can surprise you with their high sugar content.
8. Italian Ice
Indeterminate
Italian ice is famous for its uniquely colored fruit, which is pale yellow to ivory white. These are sweet and juicy, with a low acid taste.
9. Black Cherry
Indeterminate
Black cherry tomatoes have a rich, sweet flavor. It is dark purple in color and has a round shape. Black cherry tomato plants need support from a cage or stalk while growing. They need full sun and nutrient-rich soil to thrive.
10. Midnight Snack
Indeterminate
Midnight snack tomatoes are red when ripe and develop a purple-black overlay when exposed to sunlight. They are easy to grow and bring abundant fruit from each plant you grow while harvesting. They are heat resistant and will thrive in full sunlight.
How to grow Cherry Tomatoes at home?
It can be labeled as indeterminate or determinate, depending on the variety. Indeterminate tomatoes produce fruits for several months, while determinate tomatoes produce a single crop. You can choose the variety according to your interests.
When to plant?
They need warm weather to grow. Plant them in the spring, after all the frost has passed. It is better to plant cherry tomato seeds indoors 4 to 8 weeks before the last average frost and then plant the seedlings outside when they are almost 6 inches tall.
Choosing the planting area
Planting in a pot or planting in your garden, it’s completely up to you. If planting in a pot, make sure it has holes in the bottom for drainage. If using a garden, be sure to choose a spot where the plants can get consistent sun rays.
Planting the seedling
Dig a small hole in the center of the soil if planted in a container. If planting multiple plants in the garden, dig the holes a few inches deep, at least two feet apart from each other. Planting seedlings requires inserting them deep in the soil, and spacing provides good air circulation. Add compost to the soil before planting.
Cover the holes with the soil you dug out such that only four to five leaves of the seedling are seen outside.
Maintaining the plant
- Light: As we have mentioned earlier, plenty of sunlight is necessary for the successful growth of cherry tomato plants. Direct sunlight for six to eight hours is recommended.
- Soil: The soil should be slightly acidic, well-drained, rich, and loamy. It is better to do a soil test before planting the seedlings to determine the nutrient level and pH.
- Water: Since soil moisture can rapidly dry out in the summer, water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist at all times. Make sure not to drown in water. Therefore, good drainage from the container is very important.
- Fertilizer: Fertilizer can be used at the time of planting. Use organic fertilizer. Fertilizer gives the plants the nutrition they need to grow and thrive.
- Prune when needed.
- Avoid pests and diseases: Cherry tomato plants can be affected by pests and fungi. Pick them off or use natural insect spray to repel them.
Harvest
Cherry tomatoes can be harvested from a fully grown plant, 60-70 days after planting. Seedlings will begin to flower in about a month. Flowers will turn into small green fruits. You’ll know they are ready to harvest once the color changes from green to red, orange, yellow, or purple, depending on the variety. They can be easily detached from the stem.
How to add Cherry Tomatoes to your diet?
Cherry tomatoes are yummy, both raw and when added to your dishes. Here are some ways to enjoy these yummy, juicy tomatoes.
Cherry Tomato Salad
An easy, summery salad can be tossed at home by adding cherry tomatoes. The salad can be extremely healthy. Salads are the best meals that you can prepare quickly and eat to your heart’s content. You can add herbs and extra virgin olive oils to add more flavor.
Cherry Tomato Pasta
The pasta with cherry tomatoes is another quick and easy dish you can prepare, and everyone will love it. It gives a unique flavor to your pasta. It is a great way to use a lot of cherry tomatoes. You can also prepare cherry tomato sauce and use it in your pasta.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
They can be roasted, coated with garlic, olive oil, and herbs, and baked at high heat. The flavors get concentrated while roasting, and this is one incredibly tasty way to have your cherry tomatoes. These tomatoes make a great side dish.
Takeaway
They are small, nutrient-rich fruits, also known for their unique flavor, making them great for snacks, salads, and pasta. These contain antioxidants, which may help you protect against cancer and heart disease. There are also several other health benefits, such as boosting immunity, aiding skin care, and weight loss.
They can be easily grown at home. There are different types of cherry tomatoes based on their shape, size, and taste. Knowing about these will help you figure out which one to grow.
FAQs
1. What size container for cherry tomato plant?
A container ranging 14-20 inches in diameter could be enough for growing the plants.
2. When to plant cherry tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes need warm weather to grow. So they are planted in the spring after all frost has passed.
3. How to grow cherry tomatoes from seeds?
If you are planning to grow cherry tomatoes from their seed, it is better to plant the seeds indoors 4 to 8 weeks before the last average frost. Fill your pot with a high-quality potting mix. Sow your tomato seed and place the pot where you get plenty of sunlight. Plant the seedlings outside when they are almost 6 inches tall.
4. How to use cherry tomatoes?
You can have them as raw and fresh. Or you can add it into your salads or pastas giving them a good flavor. Roasted cherry tomatoes are yummy snacks and you can also make a sauce out of it.
5. How to care for cherry tomatoes?
Plenty of sunlight is necessary for the successful growth of cherry tomatoes. The soil should be slightly acidic, well-drained, rich and loamy.
The plants can also be affected by pests and fungi. Pick them off or use natural insect spray to repel them.
6. How many calories in cherry tomatoes?
There are 18 calories in 100 grams of cherry tomatoes.
7. How to roast cherry tomatoes?
They can be roasted, coated with garlic, olive oil, and herbs, and baked at high heat until caramelized.
8. How to store cherry tomatoes?
You can store them in any container at room temperature for almost a week. For longer shelf-life, store your tomatoes in the refrigerator.
9. How to preserve cherry tomatoes?
A great option for preserving the them is by freezing them. Remove any stems or debris before freezing them. You can preserve them as follows:
- Sun-dried Cherry Tomatoes
- Canned Cherry Tomatoes
- Pickled Cherry Tomatoes
- Fermented Cherry Tomatoes