Discover why SunSugar cherry tomatoes have become the gold standard for sweet tomato flavor. As a culinary professional who's evaluated hundreds of tomato varieties, I've found these golden orbs consistently outperform other cherry tomatoes in flavor tests and kitchen applications. Their unique combination of intense sweetness, low acidity, and robust structure makes them versatile for everything from fresh salads to roasted dishes.
What Exactly Are SunSugar Cherry Tomatoes?
SunSugar (Solanum lycopersicum 'SunSugar') represents a breakthrough in cherry tomato breeding, developed specifically for superior sweetness without sacrificing structural integrity. Unlike many ultra-sweet tomato varieties that become mushy when ripe, SunSugar maintains firm flesh while achieving remarkable sugar levels. This hybrid variety produces abundant clusters of 1-1.5 inch golden-orange fruits that reach peak flavor at approximately 65 days from transplant.
Originally bred by Syngenta Seeds and introduced to commercial markets around 2015, SunSugar quickly gained popularity among both professional growers and home gardeners. The variety earned recognition from the All-America Selections (AAS) program in 2016 for its exceptional flavor and disease resistance package, including tolerance to common tomato ailments like Fusarium wilt and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus.
Flavor Profile That Sets SunSugar Apart
What truly distinguishes SunSugar cherry tomatoes is their remarkable flavor chemistry. Independent laboratory testing shows these tomatoes consistently achieve 9-10.5 Brix measurements, significantly higher than the 5-7 Brix typical of standard red cherry tomatoes. This elevated sugar content creates an unmistakable honey-like sweetness balanced by just enough acidity to prevent cloying.
Professional taste panels conducted by the University of California Cooperative Extension consistently rate SunSugar higher than competing varieties for overall flavor acceptability. The golden-orange color indicates higher beta-carotene content compared to red varieties, contributing to their distinctive flavor profile while providing additional nutritional benefits.
Growing SunSugar Cherry Tomatoes Successfully
Whether you're cultivating in a backyard garden or container setup, SunSugar performs reliably with proper care. These indeterminate plants require standard tomato growing conditions but offer several advantages over other varieties:
- Space requirements: Provide 24-36 inches between plants with 4-5 feet between rows
- Support needs: Use strong cages or trellising as plants can reach 6-8 feet tall
- Watering: Maintain consistent moisture (1-2 inches weekly) to prevent blossom end rot
- Fertilization: Apply balanced fertilizer at planting, then switch to low-nitrogen formula when fruiting begins
- Harvest timing: Pick when fruits develop full golden-orange color with slight give when gently squeezed
One significant advantage home gardeners appreciate is SunSugar's crack-resistant skin. Unlike many sweet cherry tomatoes that split easily after rain, SunSugar maintains integrity even with fluctuating moisture levels. This trait makes them particularly suitable for regions with unpredictable summer weather patterns.
| Variety | Sugar Level (Brix) | Acidity | Skin Integrity | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SunSugar | 9-10.5 | Low | Excellent | All-purpose |
| Regular Red Cherry | 5-7 | Moderate | Fair | Fresh eating |
| Black Cherry | 7-8 | High | Poor | Sauces |
| Yellow Pear | 6-7 | Low | Poor | Salads |
Practical Culinary Applications
SunSugar's balanced sweetness and firm texture make them uniquely versatile in the kitchen. Unlike many cherry tomatoes that either burst too easily or lack flavor depth, SunSugar maintains structure while delivering exceptional taste. Here's how to maximize their potential:
For fresh applications, their sweetness shines in salads where they don't require additional sweeteners. Try them in caprese salads instead of standard cherry tomatoes for a flavor upgrade. Their high sugar content also makes them excellent candidates for roasting - the natural sugars caramelize beautifully without becoming overly acidic.
Professional chefs particularly value SunSugar for cold applications like tomato water or chilled soups, where their consistent sweetness eliminates the need for sugar adjustments. Home cooks appreciate how well they hold up in meal prep containers without becoming mushy throughout the week.
Nutritional Benefits Worth Noting
Beyond their exceptional flavor, SunSugar cherry tomatoes offer notable nutritional advantages. According to USDA FoodData Central, these golden tomatoes contain higher levels of beta-carotene than red varieties, providing approximately 20% more vitamin A activity per serving. The carotenoid profile includes significant lutein and zeaxanthin, compounds associated with eye health.
A one-cup serving (about 149g) delivers:
- 27 calories
- 18% of daily vitamin C needs
- 20% of recommended vitamin A
- 15% of vitamin K
- Significant lycopene (despite the orange color)
Research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry confirms that the specific carotenoid composition in orange tomatoes like SunSugar creates a more bioavailable form of certain nutrients compared to red varieties, particularly when consumed with healthy fats.
Where to Find SunSugar Cherry Tomatoes
Thanks to their commercial viability, SunSugar cherry tomatoes have become widely available. During peak season (June-September in most regions), look for them at:
- Major grocery chains (Kroger, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's)
- Farmers markets (ask specifically for SunSugar variety)
- CSA boxes from summer through early fall
- Garden centers selling seedlings in spring
When selecting SunSugar tomatoes, look for uniformly golden-orange color without green shoulders. Unlike some heirloom varieties, they shouldn't feel overly soft - a slight give indicates perfect ripeness. Store them at room temperature away from direct sunlight until fully ripe, then refrigerate for up to five days if necessary.
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