Showing Food Garden tomato

General Information

Name

Garden tomato

Scientific Name

Solanum lycopersicum

Description

The garden tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a fruit native to the South American Andes, specifically in present-day Mexico, Peru, and Chile. It is now widely cultivated and consumed globally, particularly in the United States, Italy, and China. The fruit is often red, but can also be yellow, green, or purple, with a sweet and slightly acidic taste, and a characteristic aroma. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber, and contain antioxidants like lycopene, which has been linked to several health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain cancers and heart disease (PMID: 24915375). The most notable chemical in tomatoes is water, followed by carbohydrates, and lycopene (PMID: 40353462). Tomatoes have medicinal uses, including reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health. Industrially, tomatoes are used to produce ketchup, pasta sauce, and tomato soup. A peculiar mode of preparation is the use of green tomatoes, which can be breaded and fried, or pickled, and are a popular ingredient in some traditional dishes.

Primary ID

FOOD00171

Picture