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Tomato vs. Persimmon — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Article author photo Sveta Badalyan by Sveta Badalyan | Last updated on January 24, 2024
Medically reviewed by Igor Bussel Article author photo Igor Bussel
Tomato
vs
Persimmon

Summary

 While tomatoes are higher in copper, magnesium, and zinc, persimmons are a good source of calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamin C. Tomatoes are relatively richer in vitamins.

Tomatoes also are slightly higher in protein, while persimmons are richer in carbs and fats. Persimmons also contain more calories, less sodium, and less sugar.

Introduction

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a flowering plant of the nightshade family. Tomatoes and persimmons are technically berries. The commercial persimmon fruit comes from the Ebenaceae family plant Diospyros kaki L.

Varieties

There are around 7,500 different tomato varieties grown for various uses.

The main categories for categorizing tomato varieties are based on shape and size.

Unlike tomatoes, there are two main types of persimmons - astringent and non-astringent. Astringent varieties contain more tannin content in comparison to non-astringent.

Flavor

The flavor of tomatoes is juicy and refreshing, with a hint of sweetness and tang.

Overall, persimmons have a sweet, rich taste with a slight hint of spiciness and a subtle astringency. Astringent persimmons have a sweeter, richer flavor, while non-astringent persimmons have a slightly more tart taste. 

Nutrition

In this part of the article, we will compare the nutritional information of tomatoes and persimmons, focusing on the differences

Macronutrients and Calories

Tomato contains slightly more proteins. Tomato has about 94.5% water, whereas persimmon contains 64.5% water. On the other hand, persimmons contain more carbs and fats.

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Tomato
2
4% 95%
Protein: 0.88 g
Fats: 0.2 g
Carbs: 3.89 g
Water: 94.52 g
Other: 0.51 g
34% 64%
Protein: 0.8 g
Fats: 0.4 g
Carbs: 33.5 g
Water: 64.4 g
Other: 0.9 g
Contains more WaterWater +46.8%
Contains more FatsFats +100%
Contains more CarbsCarbs +761.2%
Contains more OtherOther +76.5%
~equal in Protein ~0.8g

Calories

A hundred grams of tomato contains 18 calories, whereas the same amount of persimmon contains 127 calories.

Protein

The amount of protein in both is low. 100g of tomatoes contains 0.88g of protein, and the same amount of persimmons contains 0.8g.

Fats

A 100g tomato contains 0.2g of fat, while a 100g of persimmon contains 0.4g. Both do not contain trans fats.

Tomatoes and persimmons naturally contain no cholesterol.

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Tomato
2
20% 22% 58%
Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 0.028 g
Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 0.031 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.083 g
Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat +∞%
Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat +∞%

Carbohydrates

Persimmons contain a significantly higher level of carbohydrates due to their net carbs content. Persimmon contains 33.5g net carbs, while tomato contains only 2.69g. 

Aside from net carbs, the main carbohydrates found in tomatoes are dietary fiber, fructose, and glucose.

Carbohydrate type comparison

Carbohydrate type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Tomato
2
48% 52%
Starch: 0 g
Sucrose: 0 g
Glucose: 1.25 g
Fructose: 1.37 g
Lactose: 0 g
Maltose: 0 g
Galactose: 0 g
Contains more GlucoseGlucose +∞%
Contains more FructoseFructose +∞%
~equal in Starch ~
~equal in Sucrose ~
~equal in Lactose ~
~equal in Maltose ~
~equal in Galactose ~

Vitamins

Tomatoes are relatively richer in vitamins. Tomatoes include several B-group vitamins, including vitamins B1, B3, B5, and B6, and folate. 

Tomatoes also contain small amounts of vitamin A and vitamin K.

Persimmons, on the other hand, are a significant source of vitamin C. They have five times more vitamin C content than tomatoes.

Both of them are absent in vitamin D and vitamin B12.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Tomato
10
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 46% 50% 11% 0% 9.3% 4.4% 11% 5.3% 18% 0% 20% 11% 3.7%
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 220% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A +∞%
Contains more Vitamin E Vitamin E +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1 +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2 +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3 +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5 +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 +∞%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K +∞%
Contains more FolateFolate +∞%
Contains more CholineCholine +∞%
Contains more Vitamin CVitamin C +381.8%
~equal in Vitamin D ~µg
~equal in Vitamin B12 ~0µg

Minerals

Tomatoes are higher in zinc, magnesium, copper, and choline.

At the same time, persimmons contain more significant amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium.

Both have a low amount of sodium, although persimmons have a lower sodium content than tomatoes.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Tomato
4
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 7.9% 3% 21% 10% 20% 4.6% 10% 0.65% 15% 0%
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 0% 8.1% 27% 94% 0% 0% 11% 0.13% 0% 0%
Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium +∞%
Contains more CopperCopper +∞%
Contains more ZincZinc +∞%
Contains more ManganeseManganese +∞%
Contains more CalciumCalcium +170%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium +30.8%
Contains more IronIron +825.9%
Contains less SodiumSodium -80%
~equal in Phosphorus ~26mg
~equal in Selenium ~µg

Phytochemicals

One of the most important phytochemicals found in tomatoes is lycopene, which is a red carotenoid pigment. 100g of tomatoes contain 12 mg lycopene(1). 

Bioactive compounds found in persimmon include proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, and carotenoids. Tannins are one of the most significant phytochemicals in persimmons(2).

Both lycopene and tannin have antioxidant effects(1)(3). 

Glycemic Index

Tomato has a glycemic index of 23, whereas persimmon has a glycemic index of 61

So tomato is classified as a low glycemic index food, whereas persimmon is a medium glycemic food.

Glycemic Load

The glycemic load of tomatoes is equal to 1. The glycemic load of persimmon is equal to 5.

As we can see, persimmons tend to have a higher glycemic load than tomatoes. However, the glycemic load of both tomato and persimmon falls in the low category.

Insulin Index

There are no specific insulin index values for tomatoes. The insulin index of persimmon is 47.

Acidity

Persimmon ranges from 4.42 to 4.70 (4). Tomato acidity has been determined to be -4.1 based on the PRAL, making it alkaline. Tomatoes have a pH of 4.3-4.9. Persimmon has an alkaline PRAL of -5.5.

Weight Loss & Diets

Tomatoes are low in sugar, low in carbs, and practically fat-free. That makes them an excellent choice for people following a keto diet. In contrast, persimmon contains more carbs and is not a good option for this type of diet.

As tomatoes contain fewer carbs than persimmons, they are more suitable for the Atkins diet, though you can consume persimmons in moderate amounts.

While tomatoes are allowed to your Dukan diet from the Cruise phase,  you can only add persimmons during the Consolidation phase in moderation amounts.

Both tomatoes and persimmons are recommended in the DASH diet.

Tomatoes and persimmons are an excellent choice for the Paleo diet. 

Moreover, both are suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and pescetarian diets.

Health Benefits

In this part, we will compare the health benefits of tomatoes and persimmons, focusing on the differences and similarities.

Cardiovascular Health

Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan Article author photo Astghik Grigoryan

There is Chinese literature on the use of dietary therapy to manage hypertension. Both of these products are on this food therapy list (5). 

According to studies, tomato and persimmon consumption may reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the blood. In addition, persimmon may inhibit HMG-CoA reductase activity, similar to antihyperlipidemic drugs (statins) (2.6.7).

Both tomatoes and persimmons may decrease the risk of platelet aggregation and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease (3.8).

Diabetes

Persimmon peel, rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber and has anti-diabetic effects, could be used as a nutritional supplement to help with diabetes complications and hyperglycemia(9).

Consuming lycopene, which contains in tomatoes, on the other hand, may help reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics, according to research. Furthermore, lycopene effectively manages diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy, and other complications(10). 

Cancer

As mentioned above, tomatoes contain lycopene. Lycopene has been suggested as a potential cancer preventive agent, notably for prostate cancer(1). 

Persimmons, conversely, are thought to be beneficial in treating prostate and breast cancers, oral carcinoma cells, human lymphoid leukemia cells, and female precancerous colon polyps(9).

Nervous system

Overall, both foods have a neuroprotective effect

Bioactive tomato constituents, such as polyphenols and carotenoids,  play a protective modulator role in the pathogenetic mechanisms, cognitive symptoms, and behavioral manifestations of Alzheimer's disease(11). 

The other review describes the importance of tannin as an essential compound against Alzheimer's disease(12). 

Article author photo Sveta Badalyan
Education: General Medicine at YSMU
Last updated: January 24, 2024
Medically reviewed by Igor Bussel

Infographic

Tomato vs Persimmon infographic
Infographic link

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Tomato Persimmon
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Lower in price ok
Rich in vitamins ok
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in Cholesterol Equal
Rich in minerals Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Tomato Persimmon Opinion
Calories 18kcal 127kcal Persimmon
Protein 0.88g 0.8g Tomato
Fats 0.2g 0.4g Persimmon
Vitamin C 13.7mg 66mg Persimmon
Net carbs 2.69g 33.5g Persimmon
Carbs 3.89g 33.5g Persimmon
Magnesium 11mg Tomato
Calcium 10mg 27mg Persimmon
Potassium 237mg 310mg Persimmon
Iron 0.27mg 2.5mg Persimmon
Sugar 2.63g Persimmon
Fiber 1.2g Tomato
Copper 0.059mg Tomato
Zinc 0.17mg Tomato
Phosphorus 24mg 26mg Persimmon
Sodium 5mg 1mg Persimmon
Vitamin A 833IU Tomato
Vitamin A RAE 42µg Tomato
Vitamin E 0.54mg Tomato
Manganese 0.114mg Tomato
Vitamin B1 0.037mg Tomato
Vitamin B2 0.019mg Tomato
Vitamin B3 0.594mg Tomato
Vitamin B5 0.089mg Tomato
Vitamin B6 0.08mg Tomato
Vitamin K 7.9µg Tomato
Folate 15µg Tomato
Choline 6.7mg Tomato
Saturated Fat 0.028g Persimmon
Monounsaturated Fat 0.031g Tomato
Polyunsaturated fat 0.083g Tomato
Tryptophan 0.006mg 0.014mg Persimmon
Threonine 0.027mg 0.041mg Persimmon
Isoleucine 0.018mg 0.035mg Persimmon
Leucine 0.025mg 0.058mg Persimmon
Lysine 0.027mg 0.045mg Persimmon
Methionine 0.006mg 0.007mg Persimmon
Phenylalanine 0.027mg 0.036mg Persimmon
Valine 0.018mg 0.042mg Persimmon
Histidine 0.014mg 0.016mg Persimmon
Fructose 1.37g Tomato

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Tomato Persimmon
Low Calories diet ok
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
15%
Tomato
17%
Persimmon
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
9%
Tomato
14%
Persimmon

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Tomato
Tomato is lower in glycemic index (difference - 38)
Which food is cheaper?
Tomato
Tomato is cheaper (difference - $2.6)
Which food is richer in vitamins?
Tomato
Tomato is relatively richer in vitamins
Which food is lower in Sugar?
Persimmon
Persimmon is lower in Sugar (difference - 2.63g)
Which food contains less Sodium?
Persimmon
Persimmon contains less Sodium (difference - 4mg)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Persimmon
Persimmon is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 0.028g)
Which food contains less Cholesterol?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)
Which food is richer in minerals?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Tomato - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170457/nutrients
  2. Persimmon - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169943/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.