Tomato is one of the most cultivated and consumed vegetables in the world. With its different types of varieties – long-life, Italian, persimmon, cherry, sweet grape – it is indispensable for a good salad.
In this post we are going to talk about the sweet grape type, bringing some information, benefits and how to grow this tomato that is increasingly popular on the Brazilian table. Read and share!
What is sweet grape tomato
The sweet grape was created in Asia from crosses between cherry tomatoes and other varieties, arriving in Brazil in the 2000s.
This variety has small and elongated fruits, resembling a grape, and has been genetically improved to present a sweeter flavor. It has a firmer pulp than cherry tomatoes and can also be found in yellow color, the Yellow Grape.
The sweet grape tomato is much smaller than the traditional vegetable varieties and is increasingly becoming part of our cuisine.
This sweeter flavor is due to a higher degree of brix, that is, a higher sugar content in the fruit, which can reach between 9 and 12 degrees brix, while the traditional tomato has fruits with a maximum of 6 degrees brix.
Another trait that was genetically improved was the lycopene content. Embrapa Vegetables developed the “BRS Zamir” variety, which can reach up to 144 µg/g, while other hybrids grape of the Brazilian market are around 40 to 90 µg/g.
This cultivar has another extremely important advantage: it is more productive because it produces more fruits per bunch. The researchers identified a gene that is responsible for stimulating the degree of bifurcation of the bunches, increasing the number of flowers by up to 3 times, and consequently, of fruits.
Sweet grape tomato benefits
The sweet grape tomato brings several health benefits: it is rich in lycopene, which, in addition to being the substance that gives color to the fruit, has antioxidant action, that is, the ability to protect the cells of the human organism against the bad effects of excess free radicals. This reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases, including cancer.
It is also a source of vitamin C, which makes it a great ally in the healing of burns and wounds. In addition, thanks to the amount of this vitamin, it increases iron absorption, helping to avoid anemia.
Although “small”, the sweet grape tomato has many health benefits, such as being a source of vitamin C, like fruits such as oranges and lemons.
Another substance present in sweet grape tomatoes that is very important for health is potassium. It helps in the formation of teeth in children and in strengthening bones, is essential for the correct functioning of muscles and control of blood pressure, as well as helping to regulate the balance of liquids in the body, benefiting the flow in blood vessels.
Folic acid is also present in sweet grape tomatoes and is responsible for producing red blood cells, as well as helping with metabolism.
Want more benefits? This tomato variety is low in calories. It is also suitable for those who are on a diet. Each unit has only 2,5 calories. A unit of “Italian” tomato, for example, has 11 calories.
How to grow sweet grape tomatoes
The commercial cultivation of this tomato variety is done in greenhouses, packed in “bags” or vases. The plant cycle takes 60 days, from sowing to the beginning of harvest, which takes six months. After this period, it is necessary to replant. The productivity per plant is, on average, 10 kilos per year.
In the video below, check out how this activity is done:
Source: Mais Unai Agency.
Home cultivation can be done in pots or crates. To plant, cut a tomato in half with a knife, remove the seeds, wash them in a sieve so you don’t lose them and dry them on a paper towel. The seeds can be stored on paper towels in the fridge for a few days.
When planting, ensure that the pots have drainage holes, line with expanded clay or bidim blanket, add topsoil, compost and arrange the seeds superficially, ensuring that only a thin layer of soil covers the seeds, and water.
During the development of the plant, it may be necessary to carry out tying, which consists of tying the tomato stem to a stake, to prevent the plant from being on the ground.
This tomato variety has good productivity and is another income option for family farming.
The cultivation of this tomato variety, which has become a niche market, fits the profile of family farming, since it can be grown in small areas with little structure, and at the same time produce a material with high added value.
Did you like the article? Now that you’ve met sweet grape, do you want to know more details about how to plant other tomato varieties? Check out the growing tips.
