Cherry Tomatoes vs. Grape Tomatoes: What’s the Difference?

Fresh tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are fruits that sprout from tomato plants, although you might see them also categorized as veggies. Traditionally, they’re red, although they come in different colors, shapes, and sizes with various flavor profiles.

Common types of tomatoes include beefsteak tomatoes, which are quite large; Roma or plum tomatoes, which are mid-sized; and cherry and grape tomatoes, which are small. Heirloom tomatoes, which are grown from organic tomato seeds, might offer more health benefits than some of their commercially produced counterparts. Still, all types of tomatoes are sources of vitamin C, vitamin A, and the antioxidant lycopene.

You can find tomatoes in grocery stores and farmers markets year-round. If you store them at room temperature, they will keep for around seven to ten days.

Tomato fruits are ingredients in tomato sauce recipes for bruschetta and other Italian dishes like pizza or lasagna, as they complement mozzarella, feta, and other cheeses well. People also eat tomatoes on kebabs, in salads, or as side dishes. You can make guacamole by combining avocados, tomatoes, and other ingredients. There are even tomato ice cream recipes. Generally, tomatoes pair well with other fruits and vegetables with high water content, like bell peppers, melons, cucumbers, and beets.

Cherry tomatoes are a popular type of tomato and known for being sweet, plump, and juicy, just like their namesake. Meanwhile, grape tomatoes are among the smallest tomatoes. Here are four core characteristics of cherry and grape tomatoes:

1. 1. Color: Red cherry tomatoes are the most prominent color, although you can find yellow, green, and even black varieties on cherry tomato plants. Like red cherry tomatoes, red grape tomatoes are common in grocery stores. Yellow, green, and black varieties are available as well.
2. 2. Shape: Like their name suggests, cherry tomatoes look like red or black cherries. The size of cherry tomatoes may vary a bit, but they’re mostly rounder and a bit larger on average than grape tomatoes. Meanwhile, grape tomatoes have an oblong shape—similar to the shape of watermelons or the grapes for which they are named. They’re usually smaller than cherry tomatoes.
3. 3. Shelf life: Cherry tomatoes have a shorter shelf life than grape tomatoes, which have tougher skin, so you will want to use them in your cherry tomato recipes as soon as possible after you bring them home.
4. 4. Taste: Cherry tomatoes are super sweet in comparison to most other types of tomatoes. They also have thinner skin and a higher water content than grape tomatoes—giving them a greater juiciness. Grape tomatoes are a little less watery and sugary than sweet cherry tomatoes. Grape tomatoes’ thicker skin also gives them a tougher texture than the thin skin of cherry tomatoes.

Become a better chef with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Gordon Ramsay, Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Dominique Ansel, Yotam Ottolenghi, Alice Waters, and more.