Grape Tomatoes Vs. Cherry Tomatoes: Which Are Better?
Here are the differences between the two types of tiny tomatoes.
Fact checked by Jennifer HawkMedically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS, MPA, RDN, LD, CLT
Here at Southern Living, we're crazy for fresh tomatoes. Fresh salads beg to include a handful of tiny tomatoes, and pasta salads practically require them. When it comes to cherry and grape tomatoes, you may be using the terms interchangeably, but there are some slight—but significant—differences to bear in mind. Chef Richard LaMarita of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City breaks down the differences in shape, flavor, and preparation of cherry and grape tomatoes.
Meet The Expert
Richard LaMarita is a chef-instructor of Plant-Based Culinary Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education. He also taught at the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York for 25 years.
What Are Cherry Tomatoes?
First things first, let's talk shape. "Cherry tomatoes are round in shape, like a cherry," says LaMarita (the tomatoes pictured above are cherry tomatoes). In general, cherry tomatoes are softer than their grape tomato counterparts, with a squishy texture that almost pops in your mouth when you first bite down on one.
Cherry tomatoes are sweet with a nuanced flavor and have a fairly short shelf-life. "They are quite delicate!" LaMarita says. So what should you do with them? "Cherry tomatoes are an invaluable ingredient in salads, kebabs, quick sauces, and for roasting," says LaMarita.
What Are Grape Tomatoes?
Meanwhile, grape tomatoes (pictured directly above) have a more oblong, oval-like shape, much like—yes—a grape. "Grape tomatoes have a thicker, meatier, and chewier texture than a cherry tomato," notes LaMarita, and they aren't as sweet and delicately flavored as cherry tomatoes. However, you can expect the taste to vary from batch to batch.
"Grape tomatoes are also excellent for salads, kebabs, quick sauces, and for roasting," adds LaMarita. One bonus of grape tomatoes: "Grape tomatoes tend to have a longer shelf life than cherry tomatoes due to their slightly tougher skin."
When Should You Use Cherry Vs. Grape Tomatoes?
Bottom line? Both are wonderful staples of a Southern kitchen, and you can typically swap one type of tomato for the other in a recipe, with one exception: Stuffing. For stuffing purposes, cherry tomatoes are the way to go.
Here are a few of our favorite cherry tomato and grape tomato recipes. Happy slicing, roasting, and skewering!
Related: Rick Bragg Sets The Record Straight On What Makes The Best Tomato Sandwich
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