What are Cocktail Tomatoes?

Introduction

Tomatoes are one of the most versatile and popular fruits (or vegetables, depending on who you ask) in the world. They come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors, and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and soups to sauces and pizzas. But have you ever heard of cocktail tomatoes? These are a type of small, sweet, and juicy tomato that are perfect for snacking, garnishing, and making cocktails. In this article, we will explore what cocktail tomatoes are, how to choose and store them, how to prepare and cook them, and how to use them in some delicious cocktail recipes.

What Are Cocktail Tomatoes?

Cocktail tomatoes are a hybrid tomato that are a cross between a grape tomato and a cherry tomato. They are smaller than plum tomatoes but larger than cherry or grape tomatoes. They are usually sold in clusters of 6-8 tomatoes still attached to the vine. They have a striking red color and a sweet flavor with a slight tangy twist. They are very versatile and can be enjoyed raw or cooked.

Cocktail tomatoes are also known as Campari tomatoes, which is a trademarked name for a specific variety of cocktail tomato. However, there are other varieties of cocktail tomatoes as well, such as Sweet 100, Sun Gold, Sungella, and Sweet Million.

Cocktail tomatoes have a relatively recent origin and history. They were first developed in Europe in the 1990s by crossing grape tomatoes with cherry tomatoes. They were introduced to North America in the early 2000s by a Canadian company called Mastronardi Produce. Since then, they have become popular among consumers and chefs for their flavor, texture, and appearance.

How to Choose and Store Cocktail Tomatoes

When buying cocktail tomatoes, look for ones that are firm, plump, glossy, and bright red. Avoid ones that are soft, wrinkled, bruised, or discolored. Also, check the vine stalks for freshness. They should be green and not brown or dry.

To store cocktail tomatoes, keep them at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not refrigerate them as this will affect their flavor and texture. They will last for about a week if stored properly.

Some common mistakes and myths about tomato storage are:

• Putting them in the fridge will make them last longer. This is false. Refrigerating tomatoes will make them lose their flavor and become mealy.
• Putting them in a paper bag will ripen them faster. This is true only for unripe tomatoes. Ripe tomatoes do not need to be ripened further.
• Putting them next to bananas will ripen them faster. This is true only for unripe tomatoes. Bananas emit ethylene gas which can speed up the ripening process of some fruits and vegetables.

How to Prepare and Cook Cocktail Tomatoes

To prepare cocktail tomatoes, simply rinse them under running water and pat them dry with a paper towel. You can eat them whole or cut them in half or quarters depending on your preference and recipe.

To enjoy cocktail tomatoes raw or in salads, you can toss them with some olive oil, salt, pepper, basil, mozzarella cheese, and balsamic vinegar for a classic caprese salad. You can also add them to green salads, pasta salads, or fruit salads for a burst of color and flavor.

To cook cocktail tomatoes, you can roast them in the oven with some garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil for about 15 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until they are soft and caramelized. You can also grill them on skewers with some onion, zucchini, mushroom, and bell pepper for a tasty vegetable kebab. You can also sauté them in a skillet with some butter, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and lemon juice for a quick and easy side dish.

How to Use Cocktail Tomatoes in Cocktails

If you think cocktail tomatoes are only good for food, think again. They can also be used in some delicious and refreshing cocktails that are perfect for summer or any occasion. Here are some cocktails that use cocktail tomatoes as an ingredient or a garnish:

• Bloody Mary: This is a classic tomato-based cocktail that is spicy, savory, and satisfying. To make it, you need vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, salt, pepper, celery salt, and ice. You can also add some horseradish, pickle juice, or olive brine for extra flavor. To garnish, you can use a celery stalk, a lemon wedge, a cocktail tomato, and an olive.
• Tomato Martini: This is a simple and elegant cocktail that is smooth and sweet. To make it, you need vodka, dry vermouth, tomato juice, simple syrup, and ice. To garnish, you can use a cocktail tomato and a basil leaf.
• Tomato Mojito: This is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that is minty and tangy. To make it, you need white rum, lime juice, simple syrup, mint leaves, club soda, ice, and cocktail tomatoes. To garnish, you can use a lime wedge and a mint sprig.

Conclusion

Cocktail tomatoes are a type of small, sweet, and juicy tomato that are ideal for snacking, garnishing, and making cocktails. They have a rich flavor and a long shelf-life. They can be eaten raw or cooked in various ways. They can also be used in some delicious and refreshing cocktails that are perfect for summer or any occasion. Cocktail tomatoes are a versatile and tasty fruit (or vegetable) that you should definitely try.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cocktail tomatoes the same as cherry tomatoes?

No, cocktail tomatoes are not the same as cherry tomatoes. Cocktail tomatoes are a hybrid tomato that are a cross between a grape tomato and a cherry tomato. They are smaller than plum tomatoes but larger than cherry or grape tomatoes. They are usually sold in clusters of 6-8 tomatoes still attached to the vine. They have a striking red color and a sweet flavor with a slight tangy twist. They are very versatile and can be enjoyed raw or cooked.

Cherry tomatoes are a type of tomato that are grown to be cooked. They are about half the size of a regular tomato and have a thin skin and a high water content. They can be red, yellow, or green and have a mild flavor. They are often used in salads, snacks, or as a side dish.

Are cocktail tomatoes cherry?

No, cocktail tomatoes are not cherry tomatoes. Cocktail tomatoes are a hybrid tomato that are a cross between a grape tomato and a cherry tomato. Cherry tomatoes are a type of tomato that are grown to be cooked.

Can you eat cocktail tomatoes?

Yes, you can eat cocktail tomatoes. They are perfect for snacking, garnishing, and making cocktails. You can eat them whole or cut them in half or quarters depending on your preference and recipe. You can toss them with some olive oil, salt, pepper, basil, mozzarella cheese, and balsamic vinegar for a classic caprese salad. You can also roast them in the oven with some garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil for about 15 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until they are soft and caramelized. You can also use them in some delicious and refreshing cocktails that are perfect for summer or any occasion.

What are sweet cocktail tomatoes?

Sweet cocktail tomatoes are a type of cocktail tomato that have a particularly sweet flavor. Some varieties of sweet cocktail tomatoes are Sweet 100, Sun Gold, Sungella, and Sweet Million.