Tomatoes are related to chilli peppers, potato and egg plant. they are native to Central, South and North America from Mexico to Peru. It is a perennial and the name comes from the Nahuatl language and means 'Wolf Peach" Tomatoes are rich in Vitamins A, B and C, are a good source of calcium, phosphorous, potassium and sodium. They oxidise very quickly once cut so a good idea to use a whole one each time, the nutrients are also lost very quickly once cut. Fat and Cholesterol free, high in lycopene ( a powerful anti oxidant) which helps protect cells from oxygen damage and has been shown to protect against heart disease and cancer. They contain fibre and folate ( important during pregnancy). they are the largest selling fruit in the world, yes it is a fruit not a vegetable, second is the banana and third the apple. Tomatoes should be left out of the fridge as they dont ripen once refrigerated. Tomatoes also have the highest yield of any other vegetable
How many varieties of tomatoes do you know, there are over 30, here are a few
roma
cherry
bullock heart
grape
yellow
black russian
gross lisse ( my fathers favourite)
dwarf
sweet bite
tommy toe
mr. ugly
father tom
green zebra
field--the most common variety
vine ripened
Tomatoes are used in many different ways, sauces, pasta, chutneys, relish ( my Mum makes the most awesome relish out of home grown gross lisse) soups, meat dishes,salads, fried with bacon and served on toast, semi dried, sun dried, battered and deep fried ( yum my Dads favourite)