Grape Tomato

The grape tomato is a hybrid of a beefsteak and a roma tomato. This combination created a small, thick-skinned, sweet tomato with low water content. It is about the size of a grape and grows in clusters on a vine, similar to grapes. The first grape tomatoes were grown in Southeast Asia. The grape tomato was introduced to the United States in 1997.

The cherry tomato is larger and round when compared to a grape tomato. Cherry tomatoes are easy to grow and produce a large crop of sweet fruit. There are many varieties of cherry tomatoes that can be found around the world.

Consumers currently seem to prefer grape tomatoes over cherry tomatoes because they are easier to eat, have a sweeter flavor, and are easier to transport because of their thicker skin. In addition, grape tomatoes have a year round growing season, so they are not as expensive as other tomatoes in the off season.

Both cherry and grape tomatoes should have a smooth skin and firm texture. To store tomatoes, do not put them in the refrigerator because they will lose their flavor, rather set them on a counter top or shelf not exposed to direct sunlight.

One cup of cherry tomatoes contains 27 calories, 1 gram of protein, 0 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbohydrate, 2 grams of fiber, 353 milligrams of potassium, 63 RAE vitamin A, and 19 milligrams of vitamin C. Note: regardless of variety, one cup of raw tomatoes has similar nutrient content according to the USDA nutrient database.

Recipe of the Week > Greek whole-wheat couscous

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 3/4 cup whole-wheat couscous
• 3/4 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup seedless cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped
• 1/4 tsp. grated lemon rind
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper

1. In a medium saucepan, bring broth to a boil
2. Gradually stir in couscous
3. Remove saucepan from heat, cover and let stand for 5 minutes
4. Fluff couscous with a fork
5. In a large bowl, combine couscous with remaining ingredients
6. Serve

Nutrition Information: 140 calories, 5 grams total fat, 21 grams carbohydrate, 5 gram protein, 4 grams fiber, 380 milligrams sodium, 0 milligrams cholesterol

Recipe is from Fruits and Veggies More Matters website. For more recipes and access to the recipe's full nutritional profile, www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org

Courtesy Iowa State University Extension | Iowa State University