Yellow teardrop tomatoes are a given name for varieties of tomatoes that were developed from a natural occurring mutation on a cherry tomato plant. Yellow teardrop tomatoes experience four stages of maturation. Each stage of maturation influences the fruit’s potential. DNA has been studied at each level of maturation to reveal that the fruits maintain different levels of nutrients and pigments during their life cycle. While an unripe yellow teardrop tomato will be loaded with chlorophyll, a ripe tomato will be void of chlorophyll and rich in beta carotene, the source of its yellow coloring. The final stage of ripening is the most important, thus unripe fruits should actually never be picked. That final ripening phase initiates the chemical and structural changes that determine fruit aroma, color and texture: the most important culinary factors that gauge the quality of a tomato.

Yellow teardrop tomatoes are distinguished by their petite bowling pin shape and their translucent sun-yellow flesh. A perfect yellow teardrop tomato will be in-season and mature upon harvesting as it requires a certain soil temperature and level of daylight sun to synthesize sugar and flavor components. The result will be a fruit with flavor profiles that reflect the plant’s nutrient content, an overwhelming mouthful of juices bursting with flavors sweet, rich, tart and complex.

Serving Ideas

Yellow teardrop tomatoes can be used in any given recipe, fresh, hot or cold, calling for cherry tomatoes or simply, tomatoes. More importantly though, their first and foremost use is for fresh eating. Raw yellow teardrop tomatoes are quintessential salad and salsa tomatoes. Pair yellow teardrop tomatoes with companion ingredients that also happen to be in season. Fresh corn, chiles, watermelon, shelling beans, fresh cheeses, scallops, prawns, eggplant, okra, cucumbers, fresh nuts, avocados, zucchini and herbs such as mint, arugula and basil, each a complimentary match.

Geography/History

All tomato cultivars can trace their historic heritage to coastal South America where 11 species of wild tomatoes have been growing for millions of years. Cherry tomatoes evolved from wild tomatoes to become the first domesticated species of tomatoes. It wasn't until the early 1900's though that breeders reported the segregation of a pear-shaped tomato fruit characterized by a constriction at the stem end of the fruit. It was discovered that this was due to a gene known as the ovate gene. However, the origin of this spontaneous mutation is unknown.

Seasons/Availability

Yellow teardrop tomatoes are available year round.