Cherry tomatoes belong to a tall, early-ripening variety of tomato, usually red, although varieties with yellow, green and even black can be found.
The fruits are usually small (10-30 g), but they are also the size of a golf ball. The shape varies from slightly elongated to spherical.
Tomatoes are used as a snack, decoration for dishes, added to salads, canned and even dried. They can be stored fresh for a long time, which compares favorably with conventional varieties. And thanks to its unpretentiousness, they are able to grow not only in the open field or greenhouse, but also in the home.
- Chemical composition and nutritional value
- The benefits of cherry tomatoes. Composition and properties
- Cherry tomato damage and contraindications
- How to choose high-quality cherry tomatoes
Chemical composition and nutritional value
Depending on the variety, the chemical composition and nutritional value may differ slightly, but on average this vegetable contains the following elements:
- vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, B9, C, E, K, PP);
- macronutrients (potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, phosphorus, chlorine);
- trace elements (boron, iron, iodine, cobalt, manganese, copper, molybdenum, fluorine, zinc, chromium).
Thanks to this rich composition, cherry tomatoes are able to benefit and sometimes harm.
As for nutritional value, then 100 g of these tomatoes contain 18-24 kcal. Carbohydrates (mostly sugar) account for 74%, proteins - 17%, fats (saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated) - about 9%. The composition also includes water, fiber and organic acids. Cholesterol is absent.
The benefits of cherry tomatoes. Composition and properties
Noting such a rich composition, let's find out how cherry tomatoes are useful.
In addition, they have a pleasant taste and can decorate any dish with their appearance (where you can add them directly, without cutting them), and the amount of vitamins, antioxidants and sugars in these fruits is 1.5–2 times higher than that of large varieties.
The vitamins listed above, macro-and microelements, folic and nicotinic acids are useful for the human body.Vitamin K contributes to the absorption of calcium and the normalization of the kidneys. Serotonin is a substitute for antidepressants and improves mood. Chromium helps to satisfy hunger faster.
Red cherry tomato varieties contain lycopene, which reduces the likelihood of developing cancer (esophagus, stomach, intestines, lungs) and diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Cherry tomato damage and contraindications
With all its beneficial properties, there are still cases when it is not recommended to use cherry tomatoes, or their amount should be limited. These tomatoes, as well as ordinary, are contraindicated for people with individual intolerance, allergies to red vegetables and fruits with metabolic disorders. 
Those who suffer from cholelithiasis should not abuse them, as they have a choleretic effect. Organic acids contained in fruits can irritate the gastric mucosa and, for this reason, consuming more than 100 g per day will negatively affect patients with peptic ulcer.
How to choose high-quality cherry tomatoes
All of the following tips on how to choose cherry tomatoes will help you find really high-quality fruits.
The first sign of maturity is smell. It should be juicy, tasty, obviously tangible. Fruits torn off green and not ripened on the vine will have almost no aroma.
Pay attention to the step area. It must be holistic and have a natural color. Otherwise, tomatoes contain almost no nutrients, as they ripen after harvest.
PIf possible, cut the fruit, the cut should be juicy, with filled inner chambers. It is advisable to choose medium, ripe, beautiful tomatoes, without defects.
