Tomatoes are a versatile fruit that can be used in a wide variety of recipes from salads and sandwiches to sauces and stews. Two choices of tomatoes that are quite popular are plum and cherry tomatoes. As a gardener, you are wondering whether there are any differences between these two types of tomatoes.
Both of these types of tomatoes are easy to grow but there are certain differences that exist between plum and cherry tomatoes even though appearance-wise they may look alike.
There are many differences between the larger plum tomatoes and the smaller and sweeter cherry tomatoes. Other than just their looks and tastes, there are also other differences between them that are skin deep. So let’s look at their differences in a more detailed outlook and figure out exactly how different these two types of tomatoes are but seemingly from the same genus of tomatoes!
Key Takeaways
- Plum tomatoes also known as Roma tomatoes are popular for their firm texture, low moisture content, and rich sweet flavor that can be enjoyed raw or cooked.
- Cherry tomatoes are small, bite-sized, and known for their sweet and juicy flavor. They come in a variety of colors and are easy to grow to make them a popular choice for home gardens.
- Plum and cherry tomatoes are versatile and nutritious but there are differences between them such as their growth pattern, uses, and nutrient content.
What are Plum tomatoes and Cherry Tomatoes?
Plum tomatoes which are also called Roma tomatoes are a popular variety of tomatoes that are known for their firm texture, thick walls, and low moisture content. They are commonly used in Italian cuisine as they are ideal for making sauces, soups, and stews. Plum tomatoes have a rich sweet flavor that can be enjoyed raw or cooked. They are a great source of vitamins A and C as well as potassium and fiber making them a healthy addition to any diet. When selecting plum tomatoes, it is recommended to look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size having a bright and vibrant color. Store them at room temperature until they are ripe and then refrigerate to maintain freshness.
Cherry tomatoes are a small, bite-sized variety of tomatoes that are known for their sweet and juicy flavor. They are popular to be used in salads, as a snack, or as a garnish for many dishes. Cherry tomatoes come in a variety of colors such as red, yellow, orange, and even black, and they are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. They are easy to grow and can be cultivated in a small space making them a popular choice for home gardens.
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Comparisons between Cherry and Plum Tomatoes
Cherry and plum tomatoes are two types of tomatoes that are commonly used in various dishes. Both of these tomatoes are versatile ingredients that can be used in a wide range of recipes starting from salads to pasta sauces. They are also known for their nutritional benefits as they are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Cherry and plum tomatoes are a great addition to any meal but there are differences between these two types of tomatoes such as:
Features
Cherry tomatoes are small, round, and bite-sized. They are usually red but can also be found in a wide range of other colors such as yellow, orange, and green. Cherry tomatoes have a sweet and tangy flavor and are very juicy.
Plum tomatoes are elongated and have an oval or egg-like shape. They are commonly red in color. Plum tomatoes have a thick skin and meaty texture and they are less juicy than cherry tomatoes. They have a savory flavor and are also great for roasting or grilling since they have a less juicy nature.
Size
The size of a plum and cherry tomatoes is one of the most noticeable differences between these two popular tomato varieties. Plum tomatoes are larger when compared with cherry tomatoes. They typically measure around 2-3 inches in length and 1-2 inches in diameter. Plum tomatoes are denser than cherry tomatoes and contain fewer seeds and less juice. They can hold their shape well and do not become too watery when cooked. Cherry tomatoes are much smaller than plum tomatoes and they typically measure around 1 inch in diameter or less. Cherry tomatoes are much sweeter than plum tomatoes and have a more concentrated flavor.
Growth Pattern
Cherry tomatoes are known to grow in a bushier shape when compared to plum tomatoes. They are relatively small plants and grow to about 4-6 feet in height. They have a lot of branches that produce flowers which eventually turn into fruit. Plum tomatoes grow into large plants which are usually more than 6 feet tall vines. They are indeterminate meaning they continuously produce fruit throughout the growing season. Plum tomato plants have a few main branches from which the flowers and fruits emerge.
Uses
Plum tomatoes are usually used for cooking sauces or soups due to their meaty texture and firm thick flesh walls. The large size of plum tomatoes also makes them suitable for canning. They can be roasted, stewed, or boiled and their flavor can be enhanced by adding garlic, basil, or other herbs. Plum tomatoes can also be used to make salsa, pizza toppings, or slow-cooked dishes. Cherry tomatoes have a sweet and juicy taste that makes them a great choice for fresh eating or enhancing salads. Due to their small size, they are often used for making appetizers or as garnish. Cherry tomatoes can also be roasted, grilled, or sautéed to enhance their flavor. Additionally, they can be pickled or preserved with herbs, vinegar, or oil and used as a condiment.
Storage
Because plum tomatoes have a thick skin and meaty texture they can be stored for a longer time than cherry tomatoes. These tomatoes are best kept at room temperature until they are fully ripe and then they can be transferred to the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process. Storing them in the refrigerator can help extend their shelf life for up to two weeks. Cherry tomatoes are much more delicate and spoil more easily if not stored properly. They should always be stored at room temperature until they ripen to preserve their texture and flavor. Once fully ripe, they can be stored in the refrigerator to prolong their shelf life.
Nutrient Content
Both plum and cherry tomatoes provide a wide array of essential vitamins and minerals but there are some differences in their nutritional profiles. Plum tomatoes contain higher amounts of vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate compared to cherry tomatoes. They also have a slightly higher concentration of fiber and protein.
Cherry tomatoes tend to be higher in antioxidants than plum tomatoes, especially lycopene which helps protect the body against inflammation and chronic diseases. In addition, cherry tomatoes contain more vitamin C and potassium compared to plum tomatoes.
Fruit Production
Plum tomatoes typically have fewer fruits per plant with each fruit weighing between 2-3 ounces. Still, they tend to produce more fruits in a concentrated timeframe. These tomatoes require full sun and moderate watering and most varieties will mature within 80-90 days. When grown in the right conditions, plum tomatoes can produce up to 20-30 lbs. of fruit per plant during the growing season.
Cherry tomatoes tend to have more fruits per plant with each fruit weighing between 0.5 to 1 ounce. They produce fruit continually throughout the growing season as long as their growing requirements are met. They grow best in full sun and warm temperatures, and most varieties mature between 60-80 days. Cherry tomatoes can produce up to 100-150 fruits per plant and some varieties can produce more than 200 fruits per plant.
Plum and Cherry Tomato Interchangeability
The decision to substitute plum tomatoes with cherry tomatoes or vice versa depends on several factors such as personal preference and recipe requirements. If a recipe specifically calls for one type of tomato or the other, it is best to stick to the original ingredient to not alter the taste. But if a recipe doesn’t specify which type of tomato to use then you can choose based on your preference or the desired flavor and texture. Cherry tomatoes tend to be sweeter and juicier which makes them suitable for salads or as a snack on their own. Plum tomatoes have denser flesh and less juice making them ideal for sauces, stews, and roasting.
FAQs
Cherry tomatoes are generally sweeter than plum tomatoes. They have a higher sugar content and a more concentrated flavor.
Plum and cherry tomatoes are low in calories and high in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. However, plum tomatoes tend to have more vitamin A and less sugar than cherry tomatoes.
Both types of tomatoes can be used in a variety of recipes, but they may not always be interchangeable. Plum tomatoes are best for sauces and soups and cherry tomatoes are great for salads and snacking.
Final Thoughts
The difference between plum and cherry tomatoes lies in their size, shape, nutritional content, how they are used, and how to store them. Plum tomatoes are larger, less sweet, and better suited for making sauces and soups due to their denser flesh and lower juice content. Whereas cherry tomatoes are smaller, sweeter, and ideal for making snacks, salads, and other dishes. Both types of tomatoes are low in calories and high in beneficial nutrients making them a healthy addition to any diet.
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