Cherub cherry tomatoes are a popular variety of small, sweet cherry tomatoes. With their petite size and sweet, bursting flavor, it’s easy to pop these cute little tomatoes by the handful. But how many calories are in Cherub cherry tomatoes? And are they a low calorie food you can enjoy guilt free?
Cherub cherry tomatoes provide an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber with very few calories. The small size of cherry tomatoes means you get a lot of nutrition for minimal calorie cost.
Here’s a quick overview of how many calories are in Cherub cherry tomatoes:
Quick Facts
– 1 cup of whole Cherub cherry tomatoes contains around 27 calories
– 100 grams of Cherub cherry tomatoes provides 18 calories
– There are approximately 5-6 calories in one medium sized Cherub cherry tomato
So Cherub cherry tomatoes are very low in calories considering their size and nutritional benefits. The exact calorie count can vary slightly depending on factors like tomato size and ripeness. But on average, Cherub cherry tomatoes provide around 5-6 calories per tomato.
Now let’s take a more in-depth look at the calorie and nutritional profile of these petite and flavorful tomatoes.
Calories in Cherub Cherry Tomatoes
Cherub cherry tomatoes provide an excellent nutrition-to-calorie ratio.
Here are the calorie counts in common serving sizes of Cherub cherry tomatoes:
Calories per 1 cup of whole Cherub cherry tomatoes
– Calories: 27
– Total fat: 0.3g
– Sodium: 6mg
– Carbohydrates: 5.8g
– Protein: 1.2g
One cup of whole Cherub cherry tomatoes (around 15-20 tomatoes) provides just 27 calories. This makes them a low calorie snack or salad topping choice. One cup of Cherub tomatoes gives you a good amount of volume and nutrition for minimal calorie cost.
Calories per 100 grams of Cherub cherry tomatoes
– Calories: 18
– Total fat: 0.2g
– Sodium: 4mg
– Carbohydrates: 3.9g
– Protein: 0.9g
Every 100 grams of Cherub cherry tomatoes provides 18 calories. 100 grams is equivalent to around 12-15 average sized cherry tomatoes. So you can enjoy over a dozen Cherub tomatoes for only 18 calories.
Calories in one medium Cherub cherry tomato
– Calories: 5-6
– Total fat: 0.02g
– Sodium: 0.5mg
– Carbohydrates: 0.5g
– Protein: 0.1g
An average medium sized Cherub cherry tomato weighs around 18 grams. There are approximately 5-6 calories in one medium Cherub cherry tomato.
So whether you are eating them by the pint, cup, ounce or piece, Cherub cherry tomatoes provide an abundance of nutrition for very minimal calorie cost.
Cherub Cherry Tomato Nutrition Facts
In addition to being low in calories, Cherub cherry tomatoes are packed with beneficial nutrition.
Here are some of the top nutrients found in Cherub cherry tomatoes:
– Vitamin C – Excellent source, provides 28% DV per cup
– Vitamin A – 15% DV per cup
– Vitamin K – 10% DV per cup
– Potassium – 5% DV per cup
– Lycopene – Powerful antioxidant
– Beta-carotene – Antioxidant that converts to vitamin A
– Folate – Important for cell growth and development
– Trace minerals like manganese, copper and molybdenum
– Fiber – 12% DV per cup
Cherub cherry tomatoes provide a concentrated dose of antioxidants, including lycopene and beta-carotene. Lycopene gives tomatoes their vibrant red color and is linked to heart health.
These miniature tomatoes also contain good amounts of immune boosting vitamin C, bone-supporting vitamin K, and essential electrolyte potassium.
The water content makes them naturally hydrating as well. Cherub cherry tomatoes are 95% water, making them a low calorie, high nutrition food.
Overall, the tiny Cherub tomato packs a big nutritional punch for only 5-6 calories per tomato.
Health Benefits of Cherub Cherry Tomatoes
The impressive nutrient profile of Cherub cherry tomatoes translates into a range of potential health benefits:
1. Lower inflammation
The lycopene and antioxidants in Cherub tomatoes can help lower inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to several diseases.
2. Reduce heart disease risk
Studies show a diet high in lycopene-rich foods like tomatoes may reduce risk factors for heart disease like high cholesterol and blood pressure.
3. Support healthy vision
Lutein and zeaxanthin found in Cherub tomatoes promote eye health and may lower risks of cataracts and macular degeneration.
4. Build strong bones
Vitamin K, calcium and magnesium in Cherub tomatoes supports bone formation and strength.
5. Boost immunity
The abundance of vitamin C and antioxidants in Cherub tomatoes may help boost the immune system and fight infection.
6. Aid digestion
The fiber, water and nutrients in Cherub tomatoes supports healthy digestion and regularity.
7. Protect skin from sun damage
Tomatoes’ lycopene content may help guard skin against harmful UV rays that cause sunburns and skin cancer.
So snacking on nutritious Cherub tomatoes provides a range of benefits from head to toe!
Ways to Enjoy Cherub Cherry Tomatoes
Here are some delicious and creative ways to enjoy low calorie Cherub cherry tomatoes:
– Toss whole Cherub tomatoes into salads, salsas, pasta dishes, grain bowls or on top of pizza.
– Skewer Cherub tomatoes and pieces of fresh mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze for easy appetizers.
– Blend Cherub tomatoes into gazpacho soup or tomato sauce.
– Roast Cherub tomatoes in the oven with garlic, herbs and olive oil to intensify their sweetness.
– Make bruschetta with diced Cherub tomatoes, garlic, basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
– Stuff larger Cherub tomatoes with tuna, chicken or veggie salads for portable bites.
– Freeze extra Cherub tomatoes to add to smoothies for a nutrition and texture boost.
– Dry oven-roasted Cherubs into delicious tomato chips without the fat of potato chips.
With just 5-6 calories per petite tomato, you can enjoy Cherub tomatoes guiltfree in abundance. Their sweet, juicy pop of flavor takes snacks and meals to the next level.
Cherub Cherry Tomato Plant Growing Tips
Cherub cherry tomato plants are easy to grow in the home garden for a bountiful harvest of cute tomatoes on the vine. Here are some tips for growing your own:
– Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours per day) in well-draining soil. Amend soil with compost.
– Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Cage or stake plants to support growth.
– Water 1-2 inches per week, allowing soil to partially dry between waterings.
– Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced tomato fertilizer.
– Prune suckers (offshoots) to focus energy on main stem and fruit production.
– Harvest ripe tomatoes by gently twisting off vine. Store at room temp out of direct sun.
– Enjoy tomatoes at peak flavor within a couple days, or refrigerate up to one week.
With proper care, one Cherub tomato plant can produce over 2 pounds of fruit through the growing season!
Homegrown Cherub cherry tomatoes burst with garden-fresh flavor that can’t be beat. Plus you’ll get the satisfaction of picking these cuties straight from the vine.
Are Cherub Tomatoes Genetically Modified?
Cherub tomatoes are not genetically modified. They are cultivated through natural breeding processes, not genetic engineering.
Cherub tomatoes are an all-natural miniature variety of tomato selectively bred for their small size and supersweet taste. The first Cherub tomatoes were developed by breeders at the University of Florida in the 1990s.
Unlike large beefsteak tomatoes, which can sometimes be genetically engineered, there are currently no GMO varieties of small cherry or grape tomatoes on the commercial market.
So you can enjoy delicious Cherub cherry tomatoes with confidence knowing they are non-GMO!
How Long Do Cherub Cherry Tomatoes Last?
Freshly picked Cherub cherry tomatoes will last:
– 1 week at room temperature
– Up to 2 weeks refrigerated
Keeping them at room temperature preserves maximum flavor and texture. But refrigeration can extend their shelf life a bit longer.
For best results, store Cherub tomatoes at room temp on the counter away from direct sunlight. Refrigerate only after ripening.
The skins may shrivel and soften after 5-7 days at room temp or 2 weeks in the fridge. But Cherub tomatoes remain safe to eat after that if the flesh inside still looks and smells fresh.
To freeze Cherub tomatoes for longer storage, wash and dry them fully. Freeze whole or halve and scoop out seeds. Frozen Cherub tomatoes will keep for up to one year. Thaw before using in cooking.
With proper storage, these petite tomatoes maintain their sweet flavor and juicy pop when enjoyed within a couple weeks of harvest.
Cherub vs Grape Tomatoes
Cherub and grape tomatoes are two common miniature tomato varieties. How do they compare?
Size
– Cherub tomatoes are slightly smaller, averaging 1-2 inches wide
– Grape tomatoes are typically 1.5-2 inches wide
Shape
– Cherubs are more oval while grapes are round
Taste
– Cherubs are very sweet while grapes have a more balanced sweet-tart flavor
Texture
– Cherubs have thinner, more delicate skins and softer flesh
– Grapes have a bit firmer, juicier and “meatier” texture
Seeds
– Cherubs are less seedy and juicier
– Grapes have a bit more seeds and gel
Calories and nutrition
– Very similar calorie and nutrient content per size
So in summary, Cherub tomatoes tend to be smaller, sweeter, less seedy and have thinner skins than grape tomatoes. But both make excellent low calorie, nutrient-dense snacks and additions to recipes.
Conclusion
Cherub cherry tomatoes provide a big nutritional punch in a petite package with only around 5-6 calories per tomato. These cute little tomatoes can be enjoyed guilt-free by the pint thanks to their low calorie density and high water and fiber content. Snacking on Cherub tomatoes is an effortless way to increase your vitamin, antioxidant and mineral intake. Their sweet, juicy pop of flavor adds nutrition and taste to any meal or snack. Grow your own bountiful harvest of Cherub tomatoes or pick them up at the market to add delightfully low cal nutrition to your diet.
