Sun Sugar Tomato vs Sungold: Which One is the Sweetest?
Are you looking to grow cherry tomatoes in your garden but can’t decide between Sun Sugar and Sungold? Look no further, as we explore the differences between these two popular varieties.
Both are known for their sweet taste and are favorites among gardeners. However, there are some key differences you should consider before making your decision.
Sun Sugar and Sungold are both indeterminate cherry tomato varieties, meaning they will continue to grow and produce fruit until the first frost. While they have some similarities, they differ in their taste, texture, appearance, and growing habits. Sun Sugar tomatoes are known for their bright orange color and have a slightly higher sugar content than Sungold.
On the other hand, Sungold tomatoes have a thinner skin and are more prone to splitting when fully ripe. Understanding the differences between these two varieties will help you choose the best one for your garden and taste preferences.
Key Takeaways
- Sun Sugar and Sungold are both popular indeterminate cherry tomato varieties known for their sweet taste.
- Sun Sugar tomatoes are bright orange in color and have a slightly higher sugar content than Sungold.
- Sungold tomatoes have a thinner skin and are more prone to splitting when fully ripe.
Sun Sugar Tomato Vs Sungold
If you’re a fan of cherry tomatoes, you might have already heard of Sun Sugar and Sungold. Both of these varieties are popular among gardeners and tomato enthusiasts alike. But what are the differences between them? Let’s take a closer look.
Appearance
At first glance, Sun Sugar and Sungold look pretty similar. Both are small, round, and orange-yellow in color.
However, Sun Sugar tends to be slightly lighter in color and more uniform in shape. Sungold, on the other hand, can vary in color from bright yellow to deep orange, and its shape can be slightly more oblong.
Taste
One of the most important factors when it comes to tomatoes is, of course, taste. Both Sun Sugar and Sungold are known for their sweetness, but there are some subtle differences.
Sun Sugar has a slightly more complex flavor profile, with hints of tropical fruit and acidity. Sungold, on the other hand, is more straightforwardly sweet, with a candy-like flavor.
Texture
When it comes to texture, both varieties are quite similar. They both have thin skins and juicy, tender flesh. However, Sungold is slightly more prone to splitting than Sun Sugar, due to its delicate skin.
Disease Resistance
Both Sun Sugar and Sungold are resistant to various tomato diseases, which is a big plus for gardeners.
However, Sungold is particularly susceptible to cracking and splitting, which can be frustrating for growers.
Price
Price can vary depending on where you live and where you buy your tomato plants or seeds. However, in general, Sungold tends to be slightly more expensive than Sun Sugar. This is likely due to its popularity and reputation as one of the best-tasting cherry tomatoes out there.
Overall, both Sun Sugar and Sungold are excellent cherry tomato varieties that are well worth growing.
If you’re looking for a slightly more complex flavor profile and better disease resistance, go for Sun Sugar. If you want a candy-like sweetness and don’t mind dealing with a bit of splitting, Sungold might be the way to go.
Understanding Sun Sugar Tomato
When it comes to cherry tomatoes, Sun Sugar is a popular choice among gardeners. Here’s what you need to know about this variety:
- Appearance: Sun Sugar tomatoes are small and round, with a bright orange color. They are slightly larger than Sungold tomatoes, but still small enough to pop in your mouth whole.
- Taste: Sun Sugar tomatoes are sweet and tangy with a tropical flavor. They have a higher sugar content than Sungold tomatoes, which makes them a popular choice for snacking and salads.
- Texture: The texture of Sun Sugar tomatoes is firm and juicy. They have a thin skin that is easy to bite through, which makes them a great choice for eating fresh.
- Growing: Sun Sugar tomatoes are easy to grow and maintain. They are disease-resistant and can be grown in a variety of climates. They are also a prolific producer, which means you’ll have plenty of tomatoes to enjoy throughout the season.
Overall, Sun Sugar tomatoes are a great choice for gardeners who want a sweet, juicy tomato that is easy to grow and maintain.
Whether you’re snacking on them straight from the garden or adding them to your favorite recipes, Sun Sugar tomatoes are sure to please.
Exploring Sungold Tomato
If you’re looking for a sweet and flavorful cherry tomato, Sungold is a great option. Developed in Japan by the Tokita Seed Company, it was introduced to American gardeners in 1994 and has since become a popular choice for home gardeners and farmers alike.
Here are some key characteristics of Sungold tomatoes:
- Taste: Sungold’s flavor is often described as sweet and fruity, with a well-balanced acidity. They are a great choice for snacking, salads, and even making salsa.
- Appearance: These cherry tomatoes are small and round, with a bright orange color that is sure to catch your eye. They are often compared to a small tangerine in appearance.
- Size: Sungold tomatoes are smaller than Sun Sugar tomatoes, with an average size of about 1 inch in diameter.
- Texture: The texture of Sungold tomatoes is firm and meaty, with a thin skin that is delicate and prone to splitting.
- Disease resistance: Sungold tomatoes are resistant to a number of common tomato diseases, including verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, and tobacco mosaic virus.
One thing to keep in mind when growing Sungold tomatoes is that they are a bit more finicky than some other cherry tomato varieties. They require consistent watering and fertilization to produce a good crop, and they are prone to splitting if they receive too much water or if the weather turns wet.
Despite these challenges, many gardeners find that Sungold tomatoes are well worth the effort. They are a delicious and versatile addition to any garden, and their bright color and sweet flavor make them a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Growing Tips for Both Varieties
Whether you are growing Sun Sugar or Sungold tomatoes, there are some tips you can follow to ensure a successful harvest. Here are some growing tips for both varieties:
1. Soil and Fertilizer
Both Sun Sugar and Sungold tomatoes prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Make sure to amend your soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
Additionally, tomatoes are heavy feeders, so be sure to fertilize your plants regularly. A balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 works well. Apply fertilizer every two weeks or when plants are actively growing.
2. Watering
Water your Sun Sugar and Sungold tomatoes regularly, especially during dry spells. Tomatoes need consistent moisture to produce healthy fruit.
However, be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It is best to water deeply and infrequently rather than shallowly and frequently.
3. Pruning
Both Sun Sugar and Sungold tomatoes are indeterminate varieties, which means they will continue to grow and produce fruit until the first frost.
To keep your plants under control and encourage healthy growth, it is important to prune them regularly.
Remove any suckers that form in the crotch between two branches, as these will only sap energy from the main stem. Additionally, remove any yellowing or diseased leaves to prevent the spread of disease.
4. Pest and Disease Control
Both Sun Sugar and Sungold tomatoes are relatively resistant to common tomato diseases like Verticillium wilt and Tobacco Mosaic Virus.
However, they are still susceptible to other pests and diseases like aphids, whiteflies, and early blight.
To prevent these problems, keep your plants healthy and well-fed, and inspect them regularly for signs of infestation. If you do notice a problem, treat it promptly with an organic pesticide or fungicide.
5. Harvesting
Both Sun Sugar and Sungold tomatoes are ready to harvest when they are fully ripe and have a bright orange color.
They should be firm but slightly soft to the touch. To harvest, simply twist the fruit gently off the stem. Be sure to harvest your tomatoes regularly to encourage continued production.
Comparative Taste Profile
When it comes to comparing the taste of Sun Sugar and Sungold tomatoes, it’s important to note that both varieties are known for their exceptional sweetness. However, there are subtle differences that set them apart.
Sun Sugar
Sun Sugar tomatoes have a bright, citrusy flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
They have a thin skin that doesn’t overpower the taste of the fruit, making them an excellent choice for snacking or salads. The texture is firm and juicy, with a slight crunch that adds to the overall enjoyment of the tomato.
Sungold
Sungold tomatoes, on the other hand, have a more tropical taste with a hint of tartness. They are incredibly sweet, with a flavor that is often described as “candy-like.” The texture is soft and tender, with a thin skin that can be prone to splitting when ripe.
Overall, both Sun Sugar and Sungold tomatoes are excellent choices for those who love sweet, flavorful tomatoes. However, if you prefer a more citrusy taste with a firmer texture, Sun Sugar may be the better choice for you.
If you prefer a sweeter, more tropical taste with a softer texture, Sungold may be the way to go.
Here is a quick comparison table to summarize the taste profile differences:
| Sun Sugar | Sungold | |
| Taste | Bright, citrusy, balanced | Tropical, candy-like, sweet |
| Texture | Firm, juicy, slight crunch | Soft, tender |
| Skin | Thin, doesn’t overpower taste | Thin, prone to splitting when ripe |
No matter which one you choose, both Sun Sugar and Sungold tomatoes are sure to add a burst of sweetness to any dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some recipes that use Sun Sugar tomatoes?
Sun Sugar tomatoes are perfect for fresh salads, pasta dishes, and as a topping for pizza. They are also great for salsa, bruschetta, and as a garnish for cocktails.
Try making a simple tomato salad by combining Sun Sugar tomatoes with fresh basil, mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Are Sun Sugar tomatoes indeterminate or determinate?
Sun Sugar tomatoes are indeterminate, meaning they will continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season until the first frost.
Where can I find Sun Sugar tomato plants near me?
Sun Sugar tomato plants can be found at most garden centers and nurseries. You can also order them online from seed catalogs or online retailers.
Do Sun Sugar tomatoes split easily?
Sun Sugar tomatoes have a slightly thicker skin than other cherry tomatoes, which makes them more resistant to splitting.
However, like all tomatoes, they can still split if they receive too much water or if the weather is too hot.
What are some good substitutes for SunGold tomatoes?
If you can’t find SunGold tomatoes, try substituting with other sweet cherry tomato varieties such as Sweet 100 or Cherry Bomb.
What makes Sun Sugar tomatoes different from other cherry tomatoes?
Sun Sugar tomatoes are known for their exceptional sweetness and complex flavor profile. They have a slightly thicker skin than other cherry tomatoes, which makes them more resistant to splitting. Sun Sugar tomatoes are also more disease-resistant than other cherry tomato varieties.
Remember to experiment with different recipes and cooking methods to fully appreciate the unique flavor profile of Sun Sugar tomatoes.
