Tomatoes are fruiting plants in the solanaceous family, known scientifically as Solanum lycopersicum. Although culinarily they are considered vegetables, botanically they are fruits. They are native to South America, but are grown around the world for their versatility in cooking. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, lycopene and many other nutrients. They can be eaten in a variety of ways: raw, cooked, stewed or as an ingredient in sauces and preserves. Tomatoes are also an extremely important ingredient in many cuisines around the world, including Italian, Spanish and Mexican cuisine.
Tomato Coloring Book
Information
1 Botanical Classification:
- Family: Solanaceae
- Genus: Solanum
- Species: lycopersicum
2 Origin:
- Originally, tomatoes are native to western South America.
3 Nutritional Values:
- Rich in vitamins A, C, K and B vitamins.
- A source of minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
- They contain lycopene, an antioxidant that may contribute to protection against some chronic diseases.
4 Culinary Applications:
- Tomatoes are versatile in cooking and can be eaten raw, cooked, stewed, fried, etc.
- They are a key ingredient in many sauces, soups, salads and other dishes.
5 Cultivation:
- They can be grown both in the garden and in pots.
- They require a sunny position and well-drained soil.
- Regular watering and fertilization are key to healthy growth.
6 Varieties:
- There are many varieties of tomatoes, varying in taste, color, shape and size. This includes both cherry tomatoes and large fleshy tomatoes.
7 Potential Health Benefits:
- They can support the health of the heart, digestive system and skin.
- Lycopene may contribute to protection against certain types of cancer.
Trivia
1. fruit or vegetable?
- Although botanically the tomato is a fruit, in many countries it is treated culinarily as a vegetable. In 1893, in the United States, the Supreme Court recognized the tomato as a vegetable for tax reasons.
2 Tomatoes and gold coins:
- The name "tomato" comes from the Italian word "pomo d'oro," which means "golden apple." The initial varieties of tomatoes were golden in color.
3. colored tomatoes:
- Not all tomatoes are red. There are yellow, orange, green, purple and even black varieties.
4. lycopene:
- Tomatoes are a major source of lycopene, an antioxidant that can protect against certain diseases. Studies suggest that heating tomatoes increases the bioavailability of lycopene.
5 Tomato in space:
- In 1984, the tomato became the first fruit (vegetable) grown in space aboard a space shuttle.
6 World Tomato Day:
- July 29 marks World Tomato Day.
7 The tomato in literature:
- F. Scott Fitzgerald in his book "The Great Gatsby" mentions that Gatsby had never seen a raw tomato before.
8 Prohibited in some areas:
- In the 18th century, many Europeans considered tomatoes poisonous because of the toxin content of some members of the solanaceous family.
9 Heart-friendly:
- Regular consumption of tomatoes can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, which is good for heart health.
10. most tomatoes:
- China, India, the U.S. and Turkey are the world's leading tomato producers, supplying huge quantities of these fruits (vegetables) to the global market.