Adding Cherry tomatoes to your Diet is a great way to enjoy a delicious snack or add some vibrancy to your meals. The best part? A single cup of cherry tomatoes is just 27 Calories, making them a great low-calorie option.
Not only are Cherry tomatoes low in Calories, but they are also loaded with nutrients! In fact, cherry tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
In this article, we'll explore the many Health benefits of Cherry tomatoes, how to add them to your Diet, and share some tasty Recipes and serving ideas.
Nutritional content of cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are a nutrient-dense food that are low in Calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals. One cup of cherry tomatoes contains:
- 27 calories
- 0.9 grams of protein
- 5.8 grams of carbohydrates
- 2 grams of fiber
- 77% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C
- 8% of the RDA of potassium
Health benefits of cherry tomatoes
In addition to their Nutritional content, Cherry tomatoes also offer numerous Health benefits. Some of the top health benefits include:
- Helps in maintaining healthy skin and hair due to the high levels of vitamin C and lycopene
- May reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke due to the high levels of potassium and fiber
- May support healthy digestion due to the high levels of fiber
- May boost immunity due to the high levels of vitamin C
How to add cherry tomatoes to your diet
There are countless ways to add Cherry tomatoes to your Diet! Here are a few suggestions:
- Eat them as a healthy snack
- Add them to salads, sandwiches, or wraps
- Use them in pasta dishes or as a pizza topping
- Roast them for a crispy and flavorful side dish
- Blend them into a homemade salsa or sauce
The possibilities are endless!
Serving sizes of cherry tomatoes
While a single cup of Cherry tomatoes is just 27 Calories, it's important to keep portion control in mind. The following are some common serving sizes:
- 1 cup of whole cherry tomatoes
- 10-12 cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of canned cherry tomatoes
Low calorie recipes with cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of low calorie Recipes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Greek Salad with Cherry Tomatoes: Toss cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and olives with a little lemon juice and olive oil for a refreshing and flavorful salad.
- Chicken and Cherry Tomato Skewers: Thread cherry tomatoes and chicken pieces onto skewers and grill for a satisfying and protein-packed meal.
- Tomato and Mozzarella Salad: Layer fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic vinegar for a light and delicious salad.
Varieties of cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes come in a variety of colors and flavors. Some common Varieties include:
- Red cherry tomatoes: The classic variety, with a sweet flavor and bright red color
- Yellow cherry tomatoes: Milder in flavor and slightly less acidic than their red counterparts, with a sunny yellow color
- Grape tomatoes: Similar in size and shape to cherry tomatoes, but with a slightly oblong shape and firmer texture
Cherry tomatoes as a snack
Cherry tomatoes make a perfect snack! Here are some tips for enjoying them on the go:
- Rinse and pack them in a resealable bag or container for a mess-free snack
- Pair them with some low-fat cheese or hummus for a satisfying and nutritious snack
- Toss them with some seasonings and a tablespoon of olive oil for a flavorful and healthy snack
Cherry tomatoes in Mediterranean cuisine
Cherry tomatoes are a staple ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. In fact, many dishes that originated in this region feature cherry tomatoes prominently. Some examples include:
- Caprese salad: This Italian salad features ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil for a simple and flavorful appetizer.
- Greek Salad: A classic Greek salad features cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese for a delicious and refreshing meal.
- Shakshuka: This Middle Eastern dish features a spicy tomato sauce and poached eggs, with cherry tomatoes providing a burst of sweetness.
Cherry tomatoes in salads
Cherry tomatoes are a great addition to salads! Here are a few salad ideas to try:
- Cobb salad: Combine cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, and blue cheese for a satisfying and flavorful salad.
- Caesar salad: Toss cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese with a classic Caesar dressing for a delicious and hearty salad.
- Mediterranean salad: Combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese for a refreshing and flavorful salad.
How to store cherry tomatoes
Properly storing Cherry tomatoes can help them stay fresh and flavorful for longer. Here are some tips:
- Store at room temperature: Cherry tomatoes are best stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
- Don't store in the fridge: Refrigerating cherry tomatoes can cause them to lose their flavor and texture.
- Use within a week: Cherry tomatoes are best when used within a week of purchase.
Eating cherry tomatoes regularly can boost your intake of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, while also offering numerous health benefits.
5 FAQs About Cherry tomatoes
1. What are cherry tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes are small, bite-sized tomatoes that are typically less than 1 inch in diameter. They are often red or yellow in color and have a sweeter taste than larger tomatoes.
2. How many Calories are in one cup of cherry tomatoes?
One cup of cherry tomatoes contains approximately 27 calories.
3. What are the nutritional benefits of cherry tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. They also contain antioxidants that can help protect against cancer and other diseases.
4. How can I use cherry tomatoes in my cooking?
Cherry tomatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, pastas, and roasted vegetables. They can also be eaten raw as a healthy snack.
5. How do I store cherry tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes should be stored at room temperature until they are ripe, then refrigerated to keep them fresh. They can also be frozen for later use.