In the world of tomatoes, there are countless varieties to choose from. But if you’re a fan of sweet and juicy tomatoes, you’ve probably noticed that two varieties stand out above the rest: Sun Sugar and Sungold.
Both varieties are known for their sweetness, making them a great addition to salads and dishes. However, they’re often mistaken for one another, as they’re similar in appearance and taste.
This article is a comparison of Sun Sugar tomato vs Sungold tomato to help you decide which one to grow in your garden and add to your favorite dishes!
Similarities Between Sun Sugar and Sun Gold Tomatoes
The short answer is: No, they are not the same. Sun Gold tomatoes are a type of heirloom tomato that is orange-red in color. Sun Sugar tomatoes are a type of cherry tomato that is deep red in color.
However, they actually have a lot in common. Here are some of the similarities between sun sugar and sun gold tomatoes:
1. They Are Both Sweet
If you’re looking for a sweet tomato, then either Sun Sugar or Sun Gold would be a good option. These tomatoes are both known for their sweetness, which makes them a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and more.
2. They Are Both Small
When it comes to size, Sun Sugar and Sun Gold tomatoes are both on the small side. This makes them perfect for snacking on or using as garnishes.
3. They Are Both Early Season Varieties
If you’re looking for tomatoes that will be ready to harvest early in the season, then Sun Sugar and Sun Gold are both good options. These varieties typically start ripening in early to mid-summer.
4. They Are Both Thin-Skinned
One of the things that make Sun Sugar and Sun Gold tomatoes so delicious is their thin skin. This makes them easy to bite into and also helps them to release their sweetness. Many other varieties have been bred to have thick skins to make them easier to transport to market.
5. They Are Both Good for Canning
If you’re looking to preserve your tomatoes for later use, then Sun Sugar and Sun Gold are both good varieties for canning. Their thin skins make them easy to process, and their sweetness makes them perfect for canning and preserving.
6. Both Are Resistant to Disease
Both cultivars have Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) and Verticillium wilt (V) resistance, with Sungold also having Fusarium wilt resistance (F).
Sun Sugar Tomato vs. Sungold: Differences
When it comes to tomatoes, these are two that always seem to be at the top of everyone’s list. As we said, both are incredibly sweet and delicious, but there are some slight differences between the two.
Here’s a look at the Sun Sugar tomato vs. Sungold debate and what sets these two tomatoes apart.
1. Taste
Both tomatoes are incredibly sweet as we mentioned earlier, but Sun Sugar tomatoes are a bit more complex in their flavor. They have a bit of acidity to them that helps to balance out the sweetness, meaning Sun Sugar tomatoes are also a bit tarter than Sungold tomatoes.
In contrast, Sungold tomatoes are all sweet with no acidity and have a more intense flavor (because of the higher sugar content).
2. Texture
When it comes to texture, Sun Sugar tomatoes are a bit firmer than Sungold tomatoes. They’re still quite juicy, but they have a bit more bite to them. Sungold tomatoes, on the other hand, are incredibly juicy and almost melt in your mouth.
3. Appearance
Appearance-wise, Sun Sugar tomatoes are a bit more uniform in shape. They’re round and smooth, with a deep red color. Sungold tomatoes, on the other hand, are more oval-shaped and have a brighter, orange-red color.
4. Uses
Sun Sugar and Sungold tomatoes are both versatile enough to be used in a variety of recipes. Sun Sugar tomatoes are a bit firmer, so they’re ideal for slicing and using in salads or on sandwiches. Sungold tomatoes are so juicy that they’re perfect for eating on their own or using in sauces or soups.
5. Skin
Both species of tomatoes have thin skin, but Sungold cherry tomatoes’ skin is particularly sensitive and prone to breaking when they are completely ripe. Sungold tomatoes often split from top to bottom after a little rain. Split tomatoes will degrade more rapidly, but they are still completely edible.
On the other hand, Sun Sugar’s somewhat thicker skin makes it more split resistant (that’s still not very thick).
6. Price
Finally, price is always a consideration when choosing between two products. Sungold tomatoes are typically a bit more expensive than Sun Sugar tomatoes. This is due to the fact that they’re a bit more difficult to grow, and they have a shorter growing season.
FOR FURTHER READING
- What Size Grow Bag is Best for Tomatoes
- 5 Best Tomato Fertilizers for Containers
- Growing Tomatoes in Fabric Bags
- The Secret to a Pest-Free Garden: Plant These With Your Tomatoes
Sun Sugar Tomato vs Sungold: Which One Is Easy to Grow?
If you’re looking for an easy-to-grow, high-yielding tomato, you can’t go wrong with Sun Sugar or Sungold. Both varieties are well-suited to growing in a wide range of climates and conditions and will produce an abundance of sweet, juicy fruit all summer long.
Sun Sugar tomatoes are a hybrid variety that was developed for high heat and humidity. They are resistant to disease and pests and can be grown in containers, fabric bags, and in the ground.
Sungold tomatoes are an heirloom variety that is prized for their exceptionally sweet flavor. They are a bit more delicate than Sun Sugar and may require more care and attention, but they are well worth the effort.
When it comes to yield, both Sun Sugar and Sungold tomatoes will produce an abundance of fruit. Both take 60 to 67 days to mature. However, Sungold tends to produce slightly smaller fruits than Sun Sugar.
Final Thoughts on Sun Sugar vs Sungold Tomatoes
When it comes to Sun Sugar tomato vs Sungold tomato, there are pros and cons to each type. Sungold tomatoes are easier to grow, but Sun Sugar tomatoes taste better.
So, which one should you grow? It really depends on your personal preferences.
If you want an easy-to-grow tomato that tastes great, go with Sun Sugar. If you don’t mind a little extra work, can avoid these biggest tomato-growing mistakes, and want a slightly sweeter tomato, Sungold is the way to go.
Darrell has a passion for gardening that he inherited from his father. Go here to read more about the influence his father played in his love for gardening. If you want to send Darrell a quick message, then visit his contact page here.