Quick Answer
There are approximately 22 calories in 2 medium Campari tomatoes (about 4 ounces total). Campari tomatoes are a type of cherry tomato that are sweet, juicy, and burst with flavor. Two of these petite tomatoes make a tasty and nutritious snack or salad topper.
Calories in Tomatoes
The number of calories in tomatoes can vary depending on the variety. Here are some calorie counts for common types:
| Tomato Type | Calories per 1 Medium Tomato (2 oz) |
|---|---|
| Campari | 11 |
| Cherry | 14 |
| Grape | 8 |
| Roma | 10 |
| Beefsteak | 25 |
As you can see, Campari and cherry tomatoes have around 11-14 calories per medium tomato. Grape tomatoes are lower in calories at 8 per tomato. Roma tomatoes clock in at 10 calories each, while larger beefsteak tomatoes have about 25 calories per medium-sized tomato.
The reason for these calorie differences has to do with the varying sizes. Larger tomatoes like beefsteak simply contain more flesh and juice compared to bite-sized tomatoes like grape or Campari.
But in general, all tomato varieties are low in calories and make for a nutritious choice.
Campari Tomato Nutrition Facts
Now that we know how many calories are in Campari tomatoes, let’s take a closer look at the full nutrition facts for this petite tomato variety.
Here are the nutrition facts for 1 medium raw Campari tomato (about 2 ounces):
| Nutrient | Amount | Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 11 | 1% |
| Fat | 0.2 g | 0% |
| Sodium | 2 mg | 0% |
| Carbohydrates | 2.4 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.5 g | 2% |
| Sugar | 1.8 g | |
| Protein | 0.6 g | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg | 15% |
| Lycopene | 825 mcg | |
| Potassium | 117 mg | 3% |
As you can see, Campari tomatoes are low in fat, sodium, and carbohydrates. They contain no cholesterol.
Where Campari tomatoes really shine is in their vitamin, antioxidant, and mineral content:
– Excellent source of vitamin C – one medium Campari tomato provides 15% of the daily value. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that supports immune health.
– Rich in lycopene – with over 800 mcg per tomato, Campari tomatoes provide an abundant supply of this beneficial antioxidant. Lycopene gives tomatoes their rich red color and has been linked to heart health.
– Potassium – one Campari tomato delivers 3% of the daily potassium our bodies need. Potassium supports heart, muscle, and nerve function.
So while they may be small, Campari tomatoes pack a serious nutritional punch!
Health Benefits of Campari Tomatoes
Not only are Campari tomatoes low in calories and rich in nutrients, they also offer some great health benefits. Here are some of the top benefits of adding these tasty little tomatoes to your diet:
1. Rich in Antioxidants
In addition to delivering over 15% of the daily recommended vitamin C intake per tomato, Campari tomatoes are overflowing with the antioxidant lycopene.
This powerful antioxidant gives tomatoes their vibrant red color and has been shown to offer numerous health protective effects. Studies link lycopene consumption to reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and even bone loss.
So snacking on Campari tomatoes is an easy way to load up on free radical-fighting antioxidants!
2. May Benefit Heart Health
With their abundance of lycopene and potassium, Campari tomatoes are a heart-healthy choice.
Lycopene may reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and protect cholesterol from oxidation – all factors that support cardiovascular health. And the potassium in tomatoes helps control blood pressure as well.
Eating tomatoes has been associated with lower LDL cholesterol and reduced risk of heart attack and stroke.
3. Supports Immune Function
Don’t underestimate the immune-boosting power contained within petite Campari tomatoes.
In addition to supplying significant amounts of antioxidant vitamin C, tomatoes contain carotenoids like beta-carotene that also support immune function.
Consuming tomatoes may help defend against infection and viruses by enhancing the activity of various immune cells.
4. May Protect Skin from UV Damage
Tomatoes are considered a smart food choice for protecting your skin from sun damage.
The carotenoids in tomatoes help safeguard skin cells from harmful UV light exposure. And lycopene also accumulates in the skin and offers protective antioxidant effects.
Research indicates people who eat more tomatoes have less sunburn compared to those with lower tomato intake.
5. Helps Maintain Strong Bones
You need vitamin C to build strong bones, and Campari tomatoes deliver! This key nutrient helps your body produce collagen, supports bone mineral density, and enhances calcium absorption.
Tomatoes also contain small amounts of potassium, magnesium and vitamin K, all nutrients that contribute to bone health.
Eating more tomatoes is linked to higher bone density and lower risk of osteoporosis.
Tips for Selecting Campari Tomatoes
Follow these tips for picking flavorful, fresh Campari tomatoes:
– Look for tomatoes that are firm with smooth, bright red skins. Avoid tomatoes that are wrinkled, mushy or discolored.
– Choose Campari tomatoes that feel heavy for their size, which indicates juiciness. Pass on tomatoes that feel light or hollow.
– Sniff the tomatoes. They should smell fresh and tomatoey, not musty or sour.
– Try to find vine-ripened Campari tomatoes for superior flavor. Tomatoes allowed to ripen fully on the vine tend to be sweeter.
– If buying pre-packaged Campari tomatoes, check that they aren’t split, crushed or leaking juice, which signals damage.
– For food safety, don’t purchase pre-cut Campari tomatoes. Cut tomatoes have a shorter shelf life.
– Shop for Campari tomatoes in season during summer months for optimal freshness and taste. Campari tomatoes harvested at peak ripeness have the best flavor.
Following these simple tips will ensure you get the tastiest, freshest Campari tomatoes!
How to Store Campari Tomatoes
Here are some storage tips for keeping Campari tomatoes fresh for as long as possible:
– Store unwashed Campari tomatoes at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Keeping them on the countertop allows them to continue ripening.
– Placing Campari tomatoes in the refrigerator stops ripening and can degrade flavor. Only refrigerate tomatoes once ripe, and use within 2-3 days.
– Preserve freshness by leaving Campari tomatoes on the vine if possible. Storing attached to the vine helps slow decay.
– Campari tomatoes sold in vented plastic clamshell containers should be kept in the original packaging, which allows airflow.
– Transfer Campari tomatoes purchased loose to a paper bag or bowl, which is more breathable than plastic wrap or bags.
– Do not store Campari tomatoes with ethylene-producing fruits like apples or bananas, as this can cause overripening. Keep separate.
Following proper storage methods can prolong the shelf life of delicious Campari tomatoes by a week or more.
How to Eat Campari Tomatoes
Campari tomatoes are incredibly versatile. Their petite size and sweet, complex flavor allows them to shine in many dishes and preparations. Here are some delicious ways to eat Campari tomatoes:
Raw
Enjoy Campari tomatoes raw in salads, as a snack, garnish, or appetizer. Their concentrated flavor pops when eaten fresh.
Salsa
Dice Campari tomatoes to make fresh tomato salsa along with ingredients like onion, cilantro, lime, and jalapeno.
Pizza Topping
Use quartered or halved Campari tomatoes as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza. They’ll add tangy flavor.
Pasta Sauce
For a quick and easy pasta sauce, simmer Campari tomatoes in olive oil with garlic and herbs. Toss with cooked pasta.
Bruschetta Topping
Chopped fresh Campari tomatoes mixed with basil, garlic, and olive oil make a classic bruschetta topping. Spoon over toasted bread.
Caprese Skewers
Thread chopped Campari tomatoes and mozzarella onto skewers for easy appetizers or side dishes.
Roasted
Roast halved Campari tomatoes drizzled with oil to intensify their sweetness.
The options are endless for enjoying bite-sized Campari tomatoes!
Campari Tomato Recipes
Here are a couple delicious recipe ideas that showcase Campari tomatoes:
Campari Tomato Mozzarella Salad
Ingredients:
– 1 pint Campari tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into cubes
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
– 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
– 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 tsp sea salt
– Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl gently mix together the Campari tomato halves, mozzarella cubes, basil, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
2. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
This simple yet flavorful salad makes a fantastic appetizer or light lunch. The sweet Campari tomatoes pair perfectly with the creamy mozzarella and fresh basil.
Campari Tomato Galette
Crust Ingredients:
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 8 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 3-5 Tbsp ice water
Filling Ingredients:
– 2 pints Campari tomatoes, sliced
– 1 shallot, thinly sliced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 3 Tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
– 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Make the crust by pulsing the flour, salt and cubed butter in a food processor until mixture resembles coarse sand. Drizzle in ice water 1 Tbsp at a time and pulse until the dough just comes together.
2. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch round on a floured surface and transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet. Refrigerate 20 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F.
4. In a bowl, toss together the sliced Campari tomatoes, shallot, garlic, oil, Parmesan, basil and salt & pepper.
5. Arrange the tomato mixture on crust, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges of the crust over tomatoes.
6. Bake galette 35-40 minutes until crust is golden brown. Let cool 10 minutes before slicing.
This free-form galette is a showstopper topped with colorful sliced Campari tomatoes. The flaky crust and savory tomato filling are a perfect flavor pairing.
Takeaways
Here are the key takeaways to remember about calories in Campari tomatoes:
– There are around 22 calories total in 2 medium Campari tomatoes (about 4 ounces).
– Campari tomatoes are low in calories and fat, but packed with beneficial antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C.
– In addition to their stellar nutrient profile, Campari tomatoes offer many health benefits related to heart health, immune function, skin protection, and bone strength.
– Look for firm, heavy Campari tomatoes with bright red color when purchasing. Store properly to maximize freshness.
– Campari tomatoes are extremely versatile. Enjoy them raw or cooked in endless salads, sauces, pizzas, pastas, appetizers and more.
So next time you’re looking for a tasty low-calorie snack or salad topper, reach for a handful of petite and nutritious Campari tomatoes!
