Black cherry tomatoes develop their coloring from a mixture of green and red pigments. As the fruits mature they accumulate the red carotenoid pigment, lycopene, yet unlike true red fruits, they retain some chlorophyll (green pigment) during ripening. This green color combined with a crimson ripe interior produces a uniquely dark coloration.

Like all tomato varieties, changes in color rule the flavor and texture of black cherry tomatoes. These colors will indicate the stage of maturity of the fruit and how its flavor and texture will taste. At its first sign of ripeness the tomato is firm, sweet and tart and it has its signature red-brown coloring with green shoulders. As it ripens the green deepens to brown, the flesh becomes tender firm, juicier and more flavorful and at their peak maturity, black cherry tomato varieties develop a low-acid, rich, smoky and sweet flavor.

Serving Ideas

Black cherry tomatoes are a preferred fresh-eating salad tomato, though they can lend themselves to sauces, flash grilling, roasting and soups. Black cherry tomatoes can easily replace common red tomatoes as a a pizza ingredient or salsa ingredient. Black cherry tomatoes pair well with soft, young cheeses such as chevre and burrata as well as aged cheeses like pecorino and parmesan. They can be paired with citrus, melons, herbs such as basil and cilantro, eggplant, mushrooms, chiles both mild and hot, poultry, pork, seafood, vinaigrettes, aged balsamic vinegar and cream based-sauces like bechamel.

Geography/History

All cherry tomatoes are descendents of the wild tomato, whose origins can be traced to coastal South America millions of years ago. Archeological evidence suggests that the very first strains of cherry tomatoes were cultivated by Mesoamerican farmers at least a thousand miles away in northern Central America. The genetic makeup of cherry tomatoes, unlike larger common tomatoes has remained almost unchanged. Variations in color and shape are natural occuring mutations and often, survival traits of plants. Black cherry tomatoes evolved from the original Red Cherries as an heirloom and eventually tomato breeders would also develop hybrid black cherry tomato varieties to suit modern palates.

Seasons/Availability

Black cherry tomatoes are available late summer into fall.