Cherry Tomatoes Vs. Grape Tomatoes—What’s The Difference?
I used to think a tomato was just a tomato and that every tomato could be used interchangeably. I would just grab whichever one looked the brightest without really thinking about how they would taste in my salad. It turns out that cherry and grape tomatoes actually have their own personalities and uses.
Understanding the little differences between them will make your quick weeknight cooking a lot more enjoyable and tasty.
Appearance and texture
Cherry tomatoes are round and soft. They're a little plumper and juicier than grape tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes also come in more varieties, including yellow, orange, and purple variations.
Grape tomatoes are of course named for their elongated, grape-like shape. They have thicker skins, which gives them a longer shelf life. When you bite into a cherry tomato, it often sprays juice everywhere. A grape tomato has a more predictable crunch.
Flavor
Grape tomatoes are typically sweeter than cherry tomatoes because they have a higher sugar content. However, there are some particularly sweet varieties of cherry tomato due to selective breeding.
For instance, Sungold cherry tomatoes are known for their intense sweetness. If you're looking for a tomato that tastes as sweet as candy, pay attention to the variety that you're purchasing.
How to use them in your cooking
When it comes to cooking with tomatoes, cherry and grape varieties are largely interchangeable. It's more a matter of preference.
I like how well grape tomatoes hold their structure, and I love to roast them with olive oil and salt. They stay whole and get a nice char on the outside. When making a pasta sauce, I typically reach for a cherry tomato for easy blending.
Shelf life and storage
It's easy to buy a container of tomatoes and forget them for two days. Cherry tomatoes bruise easily and can go bad quite fast because of their thin skin. Grape tomatoes are much heartier. They can sit on your counter for a while longer without getting mushy.
If you're not planning to cook right away, the grape variety is a safer bet. It saves you money and reduces food waste.
At the end of the day, there's no wrong choice here. Whether you love the sweet explosion of a cherry tomato or the reliable crunch of a grape one, you are bringing something fresh into your home.
Cooking should be fun and low pressure. Your pasta or salad will taste great because you made it with care. Happy snacking!