Black Cherry

Black Cherry is an open-pollinated, indeterminate cherry tomato cultivar (Solanum lycopersicum) bred in the United States by Vince Sapp and released in 2003. Developing on vigorous climbing vines with regular green foliage and yellow flowers, the plant produces abundant trusses of round, smooth cherry tomatoes characterized by dark green to dusky purple shoulders and deep mahogany-brown to dark red skin.

Distinguished as the first true black open-pollinated cherry tomato, Black Cherry yields two-locule fruits filled with juicy, dark red to purplish-brown interior flesh. The cultivar is celebrated for its dynamic color transition and high productivity, pairing an ornamental cluster presentation with a rich, sweet, and smoky flavor profile.

Origin and Genetics

Black Cherry was bred by the late Vince Sapp and introduced through TomatoFest in 2003. Originating in California, it holds the distinction of being a modern open-pollinated variety rather than a historic heirloom. Unlike large, indeterminate black slicing tomatoes such as Cherokee Purple or Black Krim, Black Cherry was specifically selected to stabilize dark-pigmented traits in a round cherry-sized format.

Botanical Profile

The fruit of Black Cherry is classified in the cherry size class, forming round, smooth-skinned spheres without surface ribbing. Immature fruits begin green before undergoing a color shift into a deep palette of mahogany brown, dusky purple, and dark red. Beneath the thin skin, the interior structure consists of two locules filled with juicy flesh that ranges from dark red to purplish brown.

Growth and Performance

Black Cherry exhibits a vigorous climbing indeterminate growth habit that bears continuous clusters throughout the growing season. The plant produces regular green leaves and yellow blossoms, delivering high seasonal yields of clustered cherry tomatoes when grown in field settings with full sun exposure.

Flavor and Aroma

The sensory profile of Black Cherry is defined by a balance of rich sweetness and complex smokiness. Its juicy flesh delivers a robust, full-bodied taste with well-balanced acidity, setting it apart from traditional sweet red or yellow cherry cultivars.

Cultivation

Due to its vigorous vine habit, Black Cherry requires full sun and sturdy physical support, such as tall cages or stakes, to manage its spreading growth and heavy trusses. Because it is a stable open-pollinated variety, gardeners can successfully save true-to-type seed from mature fruits, provided the plants are isolated from other flowering tomato cultivars.

Culinary Applications

Black Cherry is predominantly utilized for fresh eating, salads, and garnishes, where its dark pigmentation adds striking visual contrast. The juicy, thin-skinned fruits are also suited for culinary roasting and can be preserved over longer periods through drying or roasting and freezing.