TOMATOES
Tomato the berry
The tomato is the edible berry of the plant Solanum lycopersicum, commonly known as the tomato plant. The species originated in western South America and Central America. The Mexican Nahuatl word tomatl gave rise to the Spanish word tomate, from which the English word tomato derived.
Tomatoes are a significant source of umami flavor. Despite botanically being a fruit, it's generally eaten and prepared like a vegetable. It is consumed in diverse ways: raw or cooked, and in many dishes, sauces, salads, and drinks. While tomatoes are fruitsâbotanically classified as berriesâthey are commonly used culinarily as a vegetable ingredient or side dish.
Health benefits
Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which
has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart
disease and cancer. They are also a great source of
vitamin C,
potassium,
folate, and
vitamin K.
Consumption of tomatoes and tomato-based products has been linked to
improved skin health and a lower risk of heart disease and cancer.
Coded by Sandra