FruitsVegetables

Plum Tomato vs. Cherry Tomato – Which One is the Winner?

Tomatoes are delicious fruits (or veggies) we eat more frequently than other foods. Usually, you may think of a red, rouletted small fruit from green medium plants. But the exciting part is that these tomatoes have many variations depending on their origins, sizes, shapes, nutrients, and usages. Following these, plum and cherry are the two most popular types of tomatoes.

Plum tomatoes are larger and have a firmer texture than cherry tomatoes. They also have a sweeter taste and meatier parts, making them ideal for sauces and soups. On the other hand, cherry tomatoes are smaller and have a softer texture. They have a more acidic taste and water content. So, often we use them in salads and as a garnish.

Many people don’t know that there are different types of tomatoes, let alone the difference between them. In this blog post, I have a discussion on the difference between plum and cherry tomato topic with exciting facts.

plum tomato vs cherry tomato

What are plum tomatoes?

Plum tomatoes are also known as Paste and Roma tomatoes. They are small, oval or pear-shaped tomatoes. Typically, they have a deep red color than other types of tomatoes.

Again, they are denser, meatier, and less watery than other types of tomatoes. These fruits also have a higher sugar content, which gives them a sweeter flavor. So, these are the reasons why we use them in sauces, soups, stews, and other cooked dishes.

See: Fruits with low sugar

Considerably, the origin of plum tomatoes is in South East Asia. On the other hand, many people know these fruits are brought from Italy as canned items. But presently, they are grown widely in different parts of the world.

plum tomatoes
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While plum tomatoes are available year-round, they are at their peak from July to October. When choosing them, you should look for shiny and firm ones with no blemishes or green spots. Hence, try to avoid tomatoes that are too soft or have cracks.

To use plum tomatoes, simply wash them and cut out the stem. They can then be used in any recipe that calls for tomatoes. Plum tomatoes can be roasted, grilled, or used in raw dishes.

What are cherry tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes are small, round tomatoes. They are typically red in color, though some varieties can be yellow, orange, or even green. These bite-sized tomatoes are incredibly versatile. You can use them in various dishes, from salads to pasta sauces.

These tomatoes are thought to have originated in South America. Then, they were brought to Europe by the Spanish in the 16th century. Today, cherry tomatoes are widely cultivated worldwide and are a popular ingredient in cuisines as diverse as Italian, Mexican, and Thai.

cherry tomatoes
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While they are often eaten raw, cherry tomatoes can also be cooked. They tend to lose shape and become more like a sauce when cooked. It makes them ideal for use in pasta dishes or as a topping for pizza.

No matter how you enjoy them, cherry tomatoes are a delicious and healthy treat. So next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to pick up a pint or two!

The Comparison Between Plum Tomatoes and Cherry Tomatoes

The main difference between plum and cherry tomatoes is their size, shape, and sweetness. Plum tomatoes are more oversized and oblong-shaped, while cherry tomatoes are small and round.

Below are some notable differences between these two types of tomatoes:

Size

You can identify the size difference by holding them separately in two hands. It is easily visible that plum tomatoes are larger than cherry tomatoes. They range from 2 to 6 ounces (57 to 170 grams). Cherry tomatoes are small and round, ranging from 1/2 to 1 ounce (14 to 28 grams).

Shape

Plum tomatoes are oval or pear-shaped with smooth skin. Cherry tomatoes are small and round with smooth skin.

Color

Plum tomatoes are typically red but can also be yellow or green. Alternatively, the next ones are primarily available in red but can also be yellow, green, or black.

Nutrients

Both tomatoes have almost similar nutrient contents. They are good sources of vitamins (A, B, C, E, and K), proteins, calories, dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, iron, omega 6, and sugar. Also, you can find the antioxidant lycopene in them that fights against cancer through cell protection.

Availability

Both tomatoes are available around the year. You can find them as raw fruit or canned for further eating.

Usages

Plum tomatoes are used in sauces, soups, and canning. The sweetness and low water portions make the tomatoes suitable for making thick food items. Alternatively, cherry tomatoes are preferable in making salads, snacks, and cooking. Their sizes and more watery part make them preferable for a healthy green diet.

Related: Eat fruit with or without skin?

Benefits of Eating Plum and Cherry Tomatoes

Plum and cherry are both tasty vegetable items. They are beneficial for our health. Likewise, these are the benefits of eating these tomatoes:

  • Both tomatoes are delicious, sweet, and healthy.
  • They are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
  • They can help you lose weight and maintain blood pressure.
  • Eating tomatoes can improve your digestion, skin health, and immune system.
  • Cherry and plum tomatoes can increase your energy levels.
  • They can protect your vision and lower your risk of cancer.
  • You can reduce inflammation by eating cherry and plum tomatoes.

Besides the above benefits, you can prepare a healthy diet keeping them on the list.

Conclusion

You are now in the last part of the plum tomato vs. cherry tomato show. In this post, I have discussed everything about them. Plum tomatoes are larger and oval-shaped, while cherry tomatoes are small and round.

So, which type of tomato is better?
Plum tomatoes are a good choice if you like a sweeter taste. For a more acidic flavor, then cherry tomatoes are a better option. Now, you can decide which one is preferable to you.