Read by Michael Flamel

There’s something about cherry tomatoes that makes me smile. Perhaps it’s their tiny perfection—bite-sized jewels that hang in clusters like nature’s candy—or maybe it’s their sweet and tangy burst of flavor, perfect for popping straight off the vine. After years of experimenting with tomatoes of all shapes and sizes, I’ve realized that my raised beds are a paradise for cherry tomatoes, and frankly, I’m thrilled about it.

A Brief History of Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes trace their lineage to the wild tomatoes of South America, where they grew in small, pea-sized forms. The Aztecs and other early cultivators nurtured these plants, selecting larger, more flavorful fruits. As tomatoes spread across Europe and the world, cherry tomatoes remained a favorite for their hardiness and productivity. By the 20th century, they had become synonymous with easy gardening and delicious snacking.

Why Cherry Tomatoes Thrive

Cherry tomatoes, unlike their larger cousins, are naturally more adaptable. Their small size and thinner skin make them less prone to cracking, while their shorter growth time means they ripen faster, a big win for impatient gardeners like me.

Enter Sunchicola, my personal favorite. These golden-orange beauties are the rock stars of my garden, thriving where others struggle. They’re sweet, juicy, and prolific—everything you want in a cherry tomato.

Other varieties that have won my heart include:

• Sun Gold: Renowned for their candy-like sweetness.
• Black Cherry: A stunning, dusky purple tomato with complex flavor.
• Sweet 100s: As the name suggests, they produce hundreds of tiny, red delights.
• Yellow Pear: Quirky, mild-flavored fruits shaped like tiny pears.

Cherry Tomatoes vs. Larger Varieties

Don’t get me wrong; I love a good beefsteak or Roma tomato. They’re perfect for sauces, sandwiches, and caprese salads. But cherry tomatoes offer a versatility and snackability that’s hard to beat. Unlike a hefty Brandywine that demands a knife, cherry tomatoes are ready to eat the moment you pluck them.

Their smaller size also means fewer pests and diseases, making them a more reliable crop for home gardeners. And let’s face it, there’s something magical about a vine that keeps producing right through the Summer.

Fun Facts About Cherry Tomatoes

• Cherry tomatoes are technically berries.
• They can produce up to 10 pounds of fruit per plant in a good season.
• Sun Gold tomatoes are so sweet they’ve been compared to mangoes and peaches.
• Cherry tomatoes are self-pollinating, though they appreciate a little help from bees or a gentle shake.

Culinary Magic in a Kitchen Garden

In my thriving kitchen garden, cherry tomatoes are the MVPs. They’re the first thing I toss into salads, the star of quick pastas, and the perfect topping for homemade pizzas. Roasted with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs, they transform into a caramelized treasure.

When the harvest is overwhelming (and it often is), I turn to preserving. Cherry tomatoes freeze beautifully and make delightful sun-dried tomatoes that brighten Winter meals.

A Love Affair to Last

It’s safe to say that cherry tomatoes have stolen my gardening heart. While I may still dabble with heirlooms and plum tomatoes, my raised beds belong to the little gems that make Summer delicious.

For anyone dreaming of starting a tomato patch, let me say this: give cherry tomatoes a try. With varieties like Sunchicola to lead the way, you’ll discover the sweet triumph of growing your own bite-sized treasures.

Please check out our Everything Tomato Gardening Guide for more hints and tips on growing all varieties of tomatoes and some terrific recipes. ❖