GRAPE TOMATO

~5 lbs Grape Tomato aka "Small Tomato", "Zhen-Zhu-Fan-Qie", "Xiao-Fan-Qie", "珍珠番茄", "小番茄" Grape tomato is oblong and shaped like grapes. They are about half the size of cherry tomatoes and with thicker skins. Grape tomatoes are not as sweet as cherry tomatoes, and their flesh is meatier and less watery. However, grape tomatoes have a longer shelf life than cherry tomatoes. Grape tomato is great for snacking and salads. Grape tomato is available year-round. Handling Tip Selection Grape tomato is firm with a uniform red, shiny skin. No signs of shriveling, tear skin, or blemishes. Storage Unripe grape tomato should be stored at 66°F - 70°F (19°C - 21°C) with a relative humidity of ninety to ninety-five percent and no mist. The ripe grape tomato should be stored at 45°F (7°C) with the same relative humidity. The typical shelf life for unripe grape tomatoes is three to four weeks and seven to ten days for red tomatoes. Store grape tomatoes stem-end up to help preserve the quality. Grape tomato is sensitive to ethylene, a naturally occurring gas that regulates ripening. Grape tomatoes should not be stored with high ethylene-producing products to extend shelf life. Grape tomato produces a moderate amount of ethylene. Grape tomato is sensitive to chilling injury at storage below 55°F (13°C). Symptoms include pitting, ununiformed ripening, loss of flavor, and storage decay. As grape tomato ripens, it becomes less sensitive to chilling injury.