Tomatoes

The Tomato is the edible fruit of Solanum lycopersicum, commonly known as a tomato plant. The Tomato fruit has originated in central and South America. The Major producers of the tomatoes are China followed by India, The United States, and Turkey.

Description:

The Tomatoes are a berry, a subset of fruit. However, tomatoes are used as a vegetable for culinary purpose, because of its savory flavor. The tomatoes have a much lower sugar content than any other edible fruits. Tomatoes are consumed in diverse ways, including raw, as an ingredient in many dishes, sauces, salad, and drinks. Daily consumption of tomatoes provides a great boost to health, along with improving the flavor of food.

Varieties:

There are many varieties of tomatoes are mentioned below:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Grape tomatoes
• Plum Tomatoes
• Beefsteak tomatoes
• Campari tomatoes
• Tom berries

Storage:

Tomatoes keep best at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Refrigeration of tomatoes can harm the taste. Tomatoes must be stored with their stem that can increase the shelf life of it. Unripe tomatoes are kept in a paper bag at room temperature until the ripening.

Uses:

Tomato fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and is used in many dishes. The fruit may also be processed into juice, soup, ketchup, puree, paste, or powder. Unripe green tomatoes can also be breaded and fried, used to make salsa or pickled.

Health Benefits:

There are many Health’s Benefits mentioned below,

• Act as Anti-oxidant Agent
• Reduce cholesterol
• Counter Effect of Smoking
• Improve Immune system
• Lower Hypertension
• Improve digestion
• Manage diabetes
• Prevent Urinary infection
• Prevent Gallstones
• Protect from Cancer
• Reduce risk of heart health
• Improve Skin

Nutritional Value of Tomatoes:

Nutritional Value of Tomatoes contains per 100gms is mentioned below:

Energy                         18 kcal

Carbohydrates           3.9 g

Sugars          2.6 g

Fiber            1.2 g

Fat                                0.2 g

Protein                        0.9 g

Vitamins

Vitamin A equiv.      42 μg

Thiamine (B1)          0.037 mg

Niacin (B3)               0.594 mg

Vitamin B6               0.08 mg

Vitamin C                  14 mg

Vitamin E                  0.54 mg

Vitamin K                  7.9 μg

Minerals

Magnesium              11 mg

Manganese              0.114 mg

Phosphorus              24 mg

Potassium                237 mg

Properties:

Shape: Round

Size:  1-10 cm

Color:  Red or Green

Taste:  Savory or acidic