When it comes to the widely (and wildly) favored tomato, most relish the sandwich tomato. However, there’s a lot to be said about the tiniest tomato, commonly known as Spoon Tomatoes,
Known scientifically as Solanum pimpinellifolium, nature, in her infinite variety, presents us with an unexpected gem. These cute little tomatoes deliver maximum delight with a variety of uses to enjoy.
SPOON TOMATOES – TINY IN SIZE BUT BIG IN CHARACTER!
History and Spoon Tomatoes Cultivation
Solanum pimpinellifolium is native to western South America, particularly in the Andean region spanning Peru and Ecuador. This wild tomato is a close relative of the domesticated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and has been used in its breeding.
As a wild species, spoon tomatoes have a genetic diversity that has made them valuable for breeding programs aimed at improving domesticated tomatoes.
The cultivation of spoon tomatoes in gardens outside their native region is relatively recent, however they have been embraced by home gardeners and small-scale farmers as a specialty crop.
Spoon Tomatoes Sizes Ranges from ~1/8 – 1/2 Inch in Diameter
Spoon tomatoes, aptly named for their minuscule size that allows a bunch to fit on a spoon, are one of the smallest tomato varieties in the world.
Typically only 5-10 mm in diameter, which is just over 1/8 of an inch, and the 10mm tomato is about 0.39 inches, which is just over 3/8 of an inch. So, the range in inches for these tiny tomatoes is just over 1/8 inch to just under 1/2 inch, or more commonly rounded to 1/4 inch in diameter. This makes them one of the smallest edible tomatoes available.
These miniature cherry-like tomatoes, with their vibrant red color and tiny size pack a lot of flavor and have a variety of uses.
You may also be interested in our article on cherry vs grape tomatoes.
Big Flavors in Small Bites
Despite their diminutive size, spoon tomatoes deliver a treat to the palate, with a delightfully sweet taste accentuated by a slight tanginess. Spoon tomatoes provide an incredible burst of flavor in every bite, where the small size allows for even distribution in dishes — especially salads of all kinds — or wherever you put them!
Well, okay, maybe not practical for pizza and tomato sandwiches, however, they do work great for feta vegetable pasta, casseroles and pocket sandwiches! In fact, these make for a less messy pita pocket sandwich because the juicy tomato goodness stays nicely contained in is tiny package until released in each bite!
Check out this savory black bean salad.
Are Smaller Tomatoes More Flavorful?
The concept that smaller tomatoes may have a more concentrated flavor is often discussed among gardeners and chefs. However, while scientific studies have shown that heirloom tomatoes have many more flavor and fragrance compounds than modern hybrids,[1]https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0960-9822%2812%2900408-3 there’s no conclusive study on any correlation between flavor and size.
The main advantage is — as mentioned above — that the flavor is contained through the undiluted juices until eaten. Beyond that, taste is highly subjective. What one person perceives as a rich, flavorful tomato might be different for someone else.
We get this lesson loud and clear when it comes to all kinds of discussions. From how to grow okra (and whether you’d want to!), to how to trellis tomatoes, and anything else under the sun. Everybody’s opinions have merit for them.
Everybody swears by their favorites, and everybody is right, for each perspective is relative to each, so yours is true relative to you❣️👍🏼😊
Growth Habit of Spoon Tomatoes
Spoon tomato plants exhibit a sprawling growth habit, and their indeterminate nature means they will continue to grow and produce fruit until the first frost. With delicate, fern-like foliage and the ability to produce thousands of tomatoes per plant, these are not just fruit-bearing plants but are an aesthetically pleasing addition to any garden, foodscape, patio or balcony garden.
Spoon Tomatoes – Preserving Plant Diversity
Spoon tomatoes are not just a culinary delight; they are also a significant part of the effort to preserve plant genetic diversity. As one of the progenitors of domesticated tomato varieties, Solanum pimpinellifolium represents an invaluable genetic resource.
Its conservation is essential to ensure the availability of a wide genetic base for future breeding programs, which may help in developing new varieties with enhanced resistance to diseases and adaptability to changing climates.
Culinary Uses for Spoon Tomatoes: A Chef’s Secret Ingredient
The gastronomic world has embraced spoon tomatoes for the zesty, vibrant flavor and tiny uniqueness they add to dishes. They work well in an array of recipes, adding a pop of color and taste to salads, pizzas, pastas, and more. As a garnish, they add visual appeal and a surprise element due to their tiny size.
Chefs and food enthusiasts also love roasting spoon tomatoes, which further intensifies their sweetness and brings a slight smoky flavor. They also make a delightful addition to pickles, offering a burst of juicy tomato flavor in each bite.
Disease Resistant Spoon Tomatoes
As a wild variety, Solanum pimpinellifolium has been observed to be more tolerant of certain diseases compared to many domesticated tomato varieties. Some studies suggest that it has resistance to common tomato diseases like Fusarium wilt and early blight or late blight.[2]https://scirp.org/reference/referencespapers.aspx?referenceid=2234470
However, this can vary depending on the specific strain of the pathogen and the environmental conditions, and no plant is entirely disease-proof. Even spoon tomatoes can be susceptible to various diseases under the right conditions. And while they may show better tolerance than some varieties, they still need proper care and disease management practices to stay healthy, especially when grown outside their native range.
See more on tomato plant diseases and how to avoid them.
Pest Concerns
The same general pests that affect most tomato plants can also affect spoon tomatoes. These include aphids, tomato hornworms, whiteflies, and spider mites, among others. However, there isn’t any specific pest that targets or avoids spoon tomatoes as compared to other tomato plants.
See our article on the hummingbird moth caterpillar for info on which is — and is NOT — the tomato hornworm that creates all the damage.
In Summary
The spoon tomato, or Solanum pimpinellifolium, is a testament to the vast array of diversity in our natural world. With its robust flavor, hardiness, and unique size, it’s an exciting addition to our understanding of tomato varieties.
Whether you’re a gardener looking for a new plant to try, a chef in search of unique ingredients, or a consumer keen on exploring exciting flavors, the spoon tomato offers a delightful journey of discovery. Its preservation and cultivation not only enrich our gardens and plates but also contribute to the larger cause of plant diversity conservation.
You may also enjoy this article on cherry vs grape tomatoes.
I’m LeAura Alderson, a garden, herb and plant enthusiast with a passion for discovering the many edible and medicinal benefits of the plants all around us, including the weeds! I’m a writer, editor and media publisher for our family of websites.
While I was certified in fitness and life coaching, I am NOT a health practitioner. However, I’m a lifelong health enthusiast, with a keen interest in healthy, organic foods and making home remedies and the content we share is from our own experience and usage as well as that extracted from scientific research so that you can explore further on your own.
Always seek the advice and guidance of your health practitioners first and foremost.
As a family we’re steadily expanding our gardening, experimentation and knowledge around all things gardening, edible landscaping, fresh organic foods and self sustainability with farming in our future. I also own and manage iCreateDaily.com, a site all about transformation through creation, and the power of positivity, optimism and mindset.
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