Cherry tomatoes are small, round tomatoes that come in the colors red, orange, yellow, green, and black.They are used as a vegetable in prepared food or consumed uncooked in salads. High in nutrients, cherry tomatoes not only have tremendous health benefits but are also perfect as a between-meal snack.Just like raw tomatoes, they are used in salads for their sweet and tangy flavor and the pop of color they add. Cherry tomatoes are used in pasta, gravies, soups, and as a pizza topping as well. They are also used in canned tomato products like ketchup or pickles. Cherry tomatoes are also dried in the sun for prolonged preservation and flavor.Nutritional Value of Cherry TomatoesCherry tomatoes are a good source of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, protein, and dietary fiber. They are high in carotenoid antioxidants like lycopene and lutein, and contain zero cholesterol, which makes them ideal for daily consumption. One cherry tomato contains 3.1 calories and 0.02 oz (0.661 g) carbohydrates.Here’s a list of macronutrients present in a 3.53 oz (100 g) serving of cherry tomatoes as per the USDA National Nutrient Database.18 calories, 1% of the RDA, 0.14 oz (3.92 g) carbohydrates, 3% of the RDA, 0.03 oz (0.88 g) protein, 1.6% of the RDA, 0.007 oz (0.2 g) fat, 0.7% of the RDA, and 0.04 oz (1.2 g) dietary fiber, 3% of the RDAThey also contain micronutrients like Vitamin A, which is 28% of RDA, Vitamin B-9 or folic acid which is 4% of RDA, Vitamin C,21.5% of RDA, Vitamin K is 6.5% of RDA, Sodium is less than 1% of RDA, potassium is 5% of RDA, calcium is 1% of RDA, iron is 4% of RDA, manganese is 6.5% of RDA, magnesium is 3% of RDA, phosphorus is 3% of RDA, and zinc is 1.5 % of RDA.Cherry tomatoes also contain a small amount of 1–4% of other nutrients such as B-complex vitamins, copper, and many others. They are rich in phytonutrients like lycopene, phenolic compounds, and carotenoids like carotene-β, carotene-α, lutein-zeaxanthin, and lycopene. The presence of so many beneficial nutrients gives cherry tomatoes a high nutritional value.Health Benefits Of Cherry TomatoesPacked with vital nutrients, cherry tomatoes are known for their countless health benefits. They have anti-inflammatory properties that promote brain and heart health. Low in calories and carbohydrates, cherry tomatoes are considered a good fat-reducing food.The vitamin A present in cherry tomatoes along with the carotenoids, xanthins, and lutein helps maintain the skin and mucosa and keeps them healthy, while vitamin C strengthens the immune system. Vitamin B complex and minerals such as calcium, manganese, iron, and potassium aid in cholesterol control, which benefits cardiovascular health.A unique phytochemical named lycopene is found in cherry tomatoes, which along with the carotenoids present in the fruit are believed to decrease the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer like lung and oral cavity cancers.This flavonoid antioxidant is believed to protect the skin from ultra-violet rays, which adds to the protection against skin cancer. Lycopene is known as an immune system booster as well. Another flavonoid compound named zeaxanthin helps filter ultra-violet rays, protecting the eyes from age-related macular degeneration, or ARMD.Cherry tomatoes are a good source of potassium that helps with controlling heart rate and blood pressure caused by sodium, preventing heart diseases. Dietary fibers help keep body weight in check, which lowers the risk of heart disease as well. Cherry tomatoes may be responsible for reversing leptin resistance, which regulates our metabolic rate and appetite, keeping us away from obesity.Cherry Tomato Vs. Other TomatoesTomatoes are consumed both cooked and raw and are used in many dishes as a primary ingredient or flavor enhancer. Weighing less than 0.35 oz (10 g), cherry tomatoes are the smallest of all the various sizes and shapes that tomatoes come in. They are as good as any other tomato when it comes to nutritional benefits. However, along with many similarities, there are some differences as well.Tomatoes and cherry tomatoes contain similar amounts of calories, dietary fiber, protein, calcium, and iron. Cherry tomatoes and tomatoes are both high in vitamin C and low in saturated fat. They both contain significant amounts of vitamin B6 and folate, thiamin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, and niacin. Also, both these tomatoes have a significant amount of omega-6 fatty acids like linoleic acid and a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids like alpha-linoleic acid (ALA).Even though both tomatoes and cherry tomatoes are high in potassium, tomatoes contain 12% more potassium than cherry tomatoes. Tomatoes also have more vitamin E and vitamin K than cherry tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes have 79% more vitamin A than tomatoes and they also do not contain any significant amount of sugar, while tomatoes have 0.09 oz (2.6 g) of sugar per 3.5 oz (100 g).The macro nutritional ratio of cherry tomatoes is 24:67:9 while tomatoes have a ratio of 17:74:10. It clearly indicates that cherry tomatoes have more protein and fewer carbohydrates than tomatoes. The amount of fat is similar in both.Which country harvests the most amount of cherry tomatoes?Cherry tomatoes are the descendants of the wild tomato that was domesticated in the Puebla-Veracruz area of Mexico in the 15th century. They are the only wild tomatoes found outside of South America.Cherry tomatoes are believed to be the predecessors of modern tomatoes, which are mutated versions of cherry tomatoes. According to archaeological evidence, the first strain of cherry tomatoes was cultivated by Mesoamerican farmers in northern central America. Even though common tomatoes have gone through genetic reconstruction, cherry tomatoes have stayed more or less the same.Cherry tomatoes have been popular in the USA since 1919, where they are largely produced and consumed. The first cherry tomatoes introduced to Europe were the yellow cherry tomatoes. They are widely popular in many Mediterranean countries. As per 2017’s estimation, China is the largest global producer of tomatoes. The market for cherry tomatoes is huge in Spain, Morocco, and the USA.
Cherry tomatoes are small, round tomatoes that come in the colors red, orange, yellow, green, and black.
