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

What are cherry tomatoes?

The odds are that you’ve seen some type of cherry tomato at your local grocery store, but you may not know the stories behind them. This versatile, fresh vegetable comes in numerous varieties to suit any need.

Despite typically being thought of and used as a vegetable, cherry tomatoes are actually a fruit. Much like the larger garden tomatoes, you may be familiar with, cherry tomatoes are often red and sphere-shaped. Today, there are many varieties of cherry tomatoes, and they are not always red. Some are slightly green or brown in color. You can also find yellow cherry tomatoes.

This versatile ingredient pairs well with fresh corn, chilies, watermelon, shelling beans, and fresh cheeses. These tomatoes can be eaten fresh or cooked to enhance their sweetness and depth of flavor.

Where did cherry tomatoes originate from?

There is some dispute over where cherry tomatoes originated.

It’s commonly thought that cherry tomatoes originated in South America millions of years ago, and there is archeological evidence that suggests that Mesoamerican farmers cultivated the first strains.

However, there are also claims that the varietal began on the island of Santorini and in Israel. Still, it is largely believed that the tomatoes originated in volcanic soil, which helped them keep their small size.

Unlike a typical tomato, the genetic makeup of cherry tomatoes has remained unchanged.

What are the benefits of eating cherry tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes can be a very healthy snack. They are composed of 95% water and 5% of carbohydrates and fiber.

Cherry tomatoes contain a lot of vitamin C. They are also thought to be good for stroke and prostate cancer prevention as well as aiding bone health. A cherry tomato also includes potassium, K1, and folate acid.

When you eat cherry tomatoes, you’ll get a hefty dose of antioxidants like lycopene, beta carotene, and chlorogenic. There’s also the flavonoid naringenin, which can decrease inflammation.

How are cherry tomatoes grown?

Seedlings can typically be transplanted after the last frost and are typically planted 2ft from each other. The plants are watered once a week for best results. Branches need to be kept off the ground as the plant grows, so they are commonly supported by stakes and a cage as the plant gets taller.

Cherry tomato plants tend to be heartier than larger tomato plants. They don’t appear to suffer from the same blossom end rot or other common problems tomato plants seem to suffer from.

Cherry tomato plants will produce throughout the season depending on the varietal, with the plants reaching maturity in 50 to 65 days on average. Some varietals can be ready for picking in as little as 45 days, while some take 80.

The plants also thrive in containers, making it perfect for those who wish to grow their own fresh vegetables for the first time.

When are cherry tomatoes in season?

Cherry tomatoes are typically a summer crop that dies off when cold temperatures threaten the plant. Plants produced outside of that season are typically grown in a greenhouse. Look for the freshest cherry tomatoes in July and August.

What should I look for when buying cherry tomatoes?

Buying cherry tomatoes isn’t that much different than buying a regular tomato. You want to try to avoid cherry tomatoes with blemishes, bruises, or wrinkled skin. Since cherry tomatoes are typically sold in plastic containers, it isn’t possible to inspect each one, but you can examine the container and see if anything is soft, misshapen, or leaking.

If you’re looking to get some cherry tomatoes delivered, use the Instacart app to get fresh produce delivered to you with same-day delivery. Add your item to your cart and select the “Instructions” tab. This will allow you to let your Instacart shopper know your preferences. Shop cherry tomatoes.

How to store cherry tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes are typically good for one week if kept at room temperature and two if kept in the refrigerator. It is highly recommended that you keep your cherry tomatoes away from direct sunlight until they are ripe and you are ready to use them.

If you plan on using your tomatoes shortly after purchase, we recommend keeping them on the counter. However, if you are only going to use them occasionally, you can place them in the produce drawer of your refrigerator.

Before serving fresh cherry tomatoes, bring the chilled cherry tomatoes to room temperature to improve their flavor.

How can I tell if cherry tomatoes are bad?

Cherry tomatoes usually get soft and tend to leak some liquid when they start to go bad. In some cases, they may still be edible, but their taste will be subpar.

There is also the chance that mold will begin to grow. You’ll see this along the skin of the fruit.

What can I substitute for cherry tomatoes?

Substituting cherry tomatoes varies based on use. If you require fresh tomatoes for a salad or similar food type, you can substitute grape tomatoes. They’re very similar to cherry tomatoes but slightly larger. You can also use a garden tomato or a plum tomato, but you may need to drain the juice.

If you’re using them in a casserole, you can use sun-dried tomatoes. Last but not least, if you are cooking something over a stove, you may be able to use canned tomatoes. Find fresh vegetables now.

How do I order cherry tomatoes?

Check out the cherry tomatoes available through Instacart. Add your favorite varietals to your order, and then make sure to specify any substitutions you’ll accept. You can get your cherry tomatoes delivered the same day by an Instacart shopper and be snacking on your new fresh fruit in no time!

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Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 80,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.