How Many Calories are in One Large Heirloom Tomato?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data from FatSecret, a large heirloom tomato contains approximately 42 calories. This makes the vibrant, flavorful heirloom a low-calorie powerhouse, ideal for adding depth to dishes without significantly increasing your overall caloric intake.

Quick Summary

A large heirloom tomato is a nutrient-dense and low-calorie food, typically containing around 42 calories. This article examines its nutritional breakdown, comparing it to hybrid varieties and exploring its impressive health benefits.

Key Points

Low Calorie Count: One large heirloom tomato contains approximately 42 calories, making it a very low-calorie fruit.
Rich in Vitamins: Heirlooms are excellent sources of Vitamins C, A, and K, which support immunity, vision, and bone health.
High in Antioxidants: They provide significant amounts of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced cancer and heart disease risk.
Better Flavor: Bred for taste rather than transport, heirlooms often offer a more complex and richer flavor profile than standard hybrid tomatoes.
Supports Weight Loss: With high water and fiber content, heirloom tomatoes promote satiety and are excellent for weight management.
Absorption Boost: Pairing tomatoes with a small amount of healthy fat, like olive oil, increases the bioavailability of their fat-soluble antioxidants.

The Caloric Breakdown of a Large Heirloom Tomato

While calorie counts can vary based on the specific heirloom variety and its size, a reliable figure for one large specimen is around 42 calories. This places it firmly in the low-calorie food category, making it an excellent choice for those managing their weight or simply looking for healthy food options. The low-calorie density is attributed to its high water content, which makes up over 90% of the fruit, alongside its minimal fat and sugar content. This means you can enjoy the robust, sweet, and complex flavors of a large heirloom tomato without any guilt.

Comprehensive Nutritional Profile

Beyond the low-calorie count, a large heirloom tomato is a nutritional powerhouse. It is packed with a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and potent antioxidants essential for optimal health.

Vitamins: An heirloom tomato is a superb source of Vitamin C, a vital antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health. It also provides a significant amount of Vitamin A, which is crucial for good vision, and Vitamin K, important for bone health.
Minerals: Key minerals include potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and smaller amounts of iron and calcium.
Antioxidants: Heirlooms are particularly known for their high content of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease. Darker varieties like 'Black Krim' often contain higher levels of other beneficial antioxidants, such as anthocyanins.
Fiber: With about 2 grams of dietary fiber in a large tomato, it aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can support weight management.

Heirloom vs. Hybrid Tomatoes: A Nutritional Snapshot

Although all tomatoes are healthy, there are subtle differences between heirlooms and their mass-produced hybrid counterparts. Heirlooms are open-pollinated, older varieties grown for flavor, while hybrids are often bred for durability and uniformity. This focus on flavor and traditional growing methods can sometimes lead to differences in nutrient density.


Feature	Heirloom Tomato	Hybrid Tomato
Flavor	Rich, complex, and varied; often sweeter	Milder, more uniform taste
Nutrient Density	Can be higher in certain vitamins and lycopene due to ripeness and growing methods	Standardized nutrient content, though still healthy
Appearance	Irregular, varied shapes, sizes, and colors (purple, green, yellow, orange)	Uniformly round and red
Skin	Thinner and more delicate	Thicker, designed for transport and shelf life
Shelf Life	Shorter; best consumed soon after purchase	Longer; built for commercial distribution

Maximizing the Benefits of Your Heirloom Tomatoes

To get the most nutritional value from your heirloom tomato, consider these tips:

Combine with Healthy Fats: To significantly boost the absorption of fat-soluble antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene, pair your raw heirloom with a source of healthy fat, such as a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or some avocado.
Use Fresh and Raw: Heirloom tomatoes have a relatively short shelf life, and their peak flavor is best enjoyed raw. Try them in salads, on sandwiches, or simply sliced with a sprinkle of salt.
Store Properly: Avoid storing your heirlooms in the refrigerator, as the cold can break down their delicate membranes and mute their flavor. Keep them at room temperature until ready to eat.

Culinary Uses for Heirloom Tomatoes

Their diverse flavors and colors make heirloom tomatoes incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here are just a few ideas:

Fresh Heirloom Salad: Slice a variety of colorful heirlooms and layer them with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a balsamic glaze.
Heirloom Bruschetta: Top toasted crusty bread with a mixture of diced heirloom tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Grilled Heirlooms: Halve large heirlooms and char them on the grill with a little olive oil and fresh herbs for a smoky, sweet side dish.

Conclusion

In summary, a large heirloom tomato is a nutritional bargain, offering rich flavor and a host of health benefits for only around 42 calories. Its high water and fiber content aid in weight management and digestion, while its potent antioxidants like lycopene provide long-term health advantages. Whether enjoyed fresh, grilled, or in a simple salad, this flavorful fruit is a healthy and delicious addition to any diet.

Link to USDA FoodData Central for more nutrient information

Frequently Asked Questions

A regular large tomato, which is typically smaller and more uniform than a large heirloom, contains approximately 33 calories, based on USDA data.

While all tomatoes are healthy, studies suggest heirloom varieties can be more nutritious. Research indicates they often have higher levels of antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C compared to their hybrid counterparts.

Yes, heirloom tomatoes are excellent for weight loss. They are low in calories and high in water and fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied. Their nutrient density also supports overall health during a calorie-controlled diet.

To preserve their peak flavor and texture, store heirloom tomatoes at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration can cause them to lose flavor and become mealy.

Pairing tomatoes with a healthy fat, such as extra virgin olive oil, significantly enhances the body's absorption of lycopene. This is because lycopene is a fat-soluble antioxidant.

Heirloom tomatoes are non-hybrid, open-pollinated varieties with seeds passed down through generations for flavor. Hybrid tomatoes are crossbred for durability, uniform appearance, and longer shelf life, often at the expense of flavor.

Absolutely. While their fresh flavor is prized, heirlooms are excellent for cooking. They make delicious sauces, soups, and roasts, and some studies suggest cooking tomatoes can increase the bioavailability of some nutrients like lycopene.