Are tomatoes fruits or vegetables? This has been a controversial question for centuries. Botanical evidence considers the tomato as a fruit because seeds remain inside the pulp. However, to common people, cultivars, and traders, the tomato is a vegetable that is grown in the kitchen garden with other vegetables and eaten as fresh or cooked. The scientific name of tomato is Solanum lycopersicum.
The tomato is native to Mexico and Central America and was reportedly cultivated in 700 AD by Aztecs and Incas. Subsequently, the tomato was introduced in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France. While the French called them “Love Apples,” the Germans referred to them as “Apples of Paradise.”
Tomatoes are short-lived perennials and can be cropped for 24 months or longer. Fresh tomatoes are round or oblate while processed tomatoes can be a little big, elongated, or pear-shaped. The fruit is botanically considered a berry. Its small soft seeds remain arranged inside the flesh. The tomato is hard and green when immature while soft and red when fully ripe.
The Scientific Name of Tomato – Solanum lycopersicum
Tomatoes remain fresh if refrigerated properly. Processed tomatoes, which we buy from the local supermarkets, should be kept in the refrigerator. However, garden-fresh tomatoes can retain freshness at room temperature for a few days.
A tomato is a low-calorie food. One medium fresh tomato provides only 25 calories that contain Vitamin C, and Vitamin A.
The tomato contains Lycopene, which is responsible for its red color. Lycopene is also a proven antioxidant that helps remove free radicals from our bodies. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules, which cause cancer and other life-risk diseases. Therefore, a tomato plays a key role to help protect our bodies from a serious illnesses.
The tomato is a versatile fruit. Have it fresh or cut it into slices and mix in salads – it is always tasty. The soft tangy taste is unique in nature and enhances the taste of any food while cooking. Tomatoes are also used in the form of juice, soup, puree, sauce, and ketchup.
