Campari Tomatoes – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are campari tomatoes?

Campari tomatoes are a hybrid type of cocktail tomato. They are characterized by their sweetness, like other cocktail tomatoes. Camparis grow to be slightly larger than cherry tomatoes but smaller than plum tomatoes.

These versatile, juicy tomatoes can be eaten raw or cooked, and are often tossed in salads, chopped and served with bruschetta, or used as a pizza topping. Their sweetness makes them an ideal candidate for use in tomato sauces, and camparis pair well with other Mediterranean/Italian ingredients like mozzarella, basil, and garlic. To make the flavor pop, drizzle campari tomatoes with olive oil, a dash of salt, and some cracked black pepper.

Where did campari tomatoes originate from?

In comparison with other members of the tomato family, campari tomatoes have a relatively short history. Camparis were created as a hybrid in the 1990s by a Dutch producer, although the U.S. trademark for the campari is held by a Canadian company. To help them stand out in a crowded market, they were heavily marketed as the “tomato lover’s tomato.” The branding was a hit: Camparis quickly grew in popularity around the United States, and now account for around 2 percent of the overall tomato market, which isn’t bad considering that there are approximately ten thousand varieties of tomato in the world. The campari’s popularity was boosted by a callout in the legendary HBO show The Sopranos.

What is the nutritional value of campari tomatoes?

An 85g serving of campari tomatoes contains 15 calories, 1g of protein, 4g of carbohydrates and no fat. Campari tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C – each one packs in 15 percent and 30 percent respectively of your daily intake of those nutrients. Additionally, one campari tomato gives you 4 percent of your DV of iron and 3.6 percent DV of potassium.

Like other types of tomato, and indeed many other red-colored fruits and vegetables, camparis contain a nutrient called lycopene. Lycopene is where tomatoes get their color from them, but it’s also notable for its antioxidant properties. Lycopene has long been thought to offer a degree of protection against heart disease and some cancers.

Are campari tomatoes healthier cooked or raw?

Camparis are relatively healthy, no matter whether they’re served raw or cooked. However, a 2002 study by researchers at Cornell University indicated that cooking tomatoes (camparis and other types) increased the amount of lycopene the body could absorb.

On the downside, cooking tomatoes causes a reduction in vitamin C absorption. Not only that, but the Cornell study suggested that vitamin C absorption declines the longer the tomatoes are cooked, so if you’re eating those campari tomatoes for the vitamin C content, you might want to think twice about cooking them.

How are campari tomatoes grown?

Camparis can be grown indoors or outdoors and either in soil or hydroponically. They also grow well in greenhouses. Campari tomatoes need many hours of light every day, so if they’re being grown inside a home without plentiful natural light, they may need the support of an LED light. Campari tomatoes grow to a height of around six to eight feet and are ripe after around 70 to 80 days. They are shipped to the store, usually still on the vine and sometimes before they are fully ripe.

When are campari tomatoes in season?

Campari tomatoes can basically be picked up without a lot of hassle all year round. They may be less readily available during very brief periods, depending on location, but generally, they’re easy to find.

How do you pick campari tomatoes at the grocery store?

Healthy, ripe camparis are a bold, deep shade of red – indeed, they stand out among other types of tomato. If the tomatoes are still slightly green, they’re not quite ready – there’s no harm in buying them at this stage, but you may want to give them a few additional days to ripen.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for campari tomatoes via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for campari tomatoes.

How to store campari tomatoes?

Ripe camparis can be stored in the refrigerator, but they retain their flavor better if they are stored in a dark space at room temperature. Ripe tomatoes will last for a couple of days before they start to get past their best. If you need to keep them longer than this, refrigerate.

If the tomatoes are still ripening, place them stem side facing down and store at room temperature – again, avoid direct sunlight. Refrigerating tomatoes before they are fully ripe will prevent their flavor from achieving its full potential.

How to tell if campari tomatoes are bad?

Campari tomatoes should have smooth skin and be slightly firm to touch. If the skin is shriveling or the tomatoes are squishy, don’t bother. Also, be sure to examine the stem, which should be green and healthy-looking. Stems that are wrinkled or damp can be an indicator that the tomatoes have gone bad.

What can I substitute for campari tomatoes?

It all depends on what you’re trying to substitute for. In terms of size, grape and cherry tomatoes are a good stand-in for the campari, especially if you’re looking for that juicy “pop” when you bite down on them. Know that grape tomatoes are sweeter than cherry tomatoes, and are therefore a little closer to camparis in flavor. Larger plum tomatoes are less juicy, but still have a certain sweetness, so they’re also an acceptable replacement.

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