Tomatoes

Tomatoes provide vitamins, minerals, fiber and high levels of the antioxidant lycopene. Tomatoes are one of the most commonly consumed vegetables in the US, with more than 22 pounds of tomatoes eaten each year per person. 

Did You Know?

• Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of vitamin A.
• Tomatoes come in as many colors as are in the rainbow and each variety has its own distinct taste. You can find red, orange, yellow, green and even purple tomatoes.
• Tomatoes are low in calories; only about 30 calories per cup.
• Fruit or vegetable? Legally, tomatoes are a vegetable. The question went all the way to the United States Supreme Court in 1893.
• Red tomatoes have lycopene, which is the pigment that gives them their color. Research suggests that a lycopenerich diet may help lower the risk of certain cancers.
• The lycopene found in canned-tomatoes, ketchup and tomato sauce is more easily absorbed in the body than that found in raw tomatoes.
• Tomatillos are a member of the tomato family and often referred to as the Mexican green tomato. Tomatillos are a good source of vitamin C.
• Tomatillos’ flavor is citrus-like with touches of lemon and herbs. Tomatillos are popular in guacamole and green salsas.
• According to Guinness World Records, the most tomatoes harvested from one plant in one year was over 32,000 from a plant from Walt Disney World.

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