Whenever we consider small salad tomatoes, we typically call them cherry tomatoes. That’s likely because cherry tomatoes have been around a lot longer than grape tomatoes. We’ll get into the cherry vs grape tomato differences shortly, but first, a brief historical summary.

Historical Origin of Cherry vs Grape Tomatoes

Cherry Tomatoes

The cherry tomato as we know it today is the result of generations of selective breeding for desirable traits such as size, flavor, and disease resistance. The exact origin of the modern cherry tomato is unclear, as many different people and cultures have contributed to their development over the centuries.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, cherry tomatoes have become particularly popular due to their sweet flavor, small bite-sized convenience, and the fact that they can be harvested and eaten at a variety of ripeness stages.

There are now many different cultivars of cherry tomatoes available today. Colors range from shapes, red, yellow, and heirloom varieties, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics.

Grape Tomatoes

Grape tomatoes, on the other hand, are a much more recent innovation. They were developed in the 1990s by two growers, Andy Loghry and Bernie Erlin, who were looking for a tomato that could withstand the rigors of long-distance transportation without sacrificing flavor.

Their solution was the grape tomato, which had a thicker skin and smaller size that made it more resilient than other varieties. It could be shipped longer distances and stored for longer periods without going bad.

These tomatoes quickly gained popularity in the United States, especially among supermarket shoppers, for their sweet flavor, firm texture, and long shelf life. Since then, the grape tomato has become a staple in grocery stores and salads across the country and the world.

So, while both types of tomatoes share a common ancestor in the wild tomato of South America, they’ve taken different paths through history, with cherry tomatoes maintaining a continuous lineage and grape tomatoes representing a more modern innovation.

Cherry vs Grape Tomatoes

Shape and Size

Cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes primarily differ in their shape. Cherry tomatoes are generally round and small, resembling cherries, hence their name. On the other hand, grape tomatoes are more elongated and smaller, bearing a shape similar to that of grapes.

Taste

Cherry tomatoes are known for their sweet, rich, and sometimes tangy flavor. They have a juicy texture, and the flavor can burst in your mouth when you bite into them. This makes them great for fresh eating, salads, and roasting.

Grape tomatoes, while still sweet, tend to have a slightly less intense flavor than cherry tomatoes but are still quite tasty. They are less juicy than cherry tomatoes but have a meatier texture, which holds up well in cooking. This makes them suitable for stews, sauces, roasting, and grilling.

Skin

The skin of grape tomatoes is typically a bit thicker than that of cherry tomatoes. This makes them more durable, and they often have a longer shelf life. Cherry tomatoes, with their thinner skins, are a bit more delicate and prone to damage.

Cultivation

Both types of tomatoes are relatively easy to grow and can be planted in similar conditions. They both require a lot of sunlight, well-drained soil, and regular watering.

Nutritional Value

Both cherry and grape tomatoes are similar in nutritional content. They are low in calories and rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. There might be minor differences, but these are unlikely to have a significant impact on your diet.

Culinary Uses

As I mentioned above, cherry tomatoes are often used in salads, roasted, or eaten fresh. They add a burst of color and flavor to any dish.

Grape tomatoes, with their firmer texture, hold up well in cooking and can be used in stews, sauces, or baked dishes. They also work well in salads or as a snack but won’t burst open with juiciness like cherry tomatoes do.

Characteristics	Cherry Tomatoes	Grape Tomatoes
Shape and Size	Round, small (similar to cherries)	Elongated, smaller (similar to grapes)
Taste	Sweet, rich, tangy and juicy	Less intense, sweet, meatier
Skin	Thinner skin, more delicate	Thicker skin, more durable
Cultivation	Easy to grow in full sun well-drained soil, and regular watering	Same as cherry tomatoes
Nutritional Value	Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, lycopene	Similar to cherry tomatoes
Culinary Uses	Salads, roasting, or eaten fresh	Stews, sauces, roasting, grilling or fresh
Historical Origin	Closest to the wild tomato from South America	Developed in the 1990s for better transportation and shelf life
Growth Cycle	Typically 60-75 days from seed to harvest, after transplanting	Similar to cherry tomatoes

In summary, while they have a few differences, both cherry and grape tomatoes are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes depending on your personal preference.

You may also enjoy our articles on colored tomatoes and uses for green tomatoes.