Posted on May 24, 2018 by Emily Forbes

Apparently it’s British Tomato Week (21st-27th May) – who knew? This versatile vegetable (or is it a fruit?) is a staple in many diets, forming the base of innumerable dishes. Eaten raw, cooked, sun-dried, blended, as sauce or even drunk (bloody Mary anyone?). The list is endless. There are also more than 10,000 different varieties for you to choose from globally. You’ve probably never given the tomato a second thought, so here are some facts to celebrate the humble tomato.

Facts:

  • 4 out of 5 tomatoes eaten in the UK are imported. In the UK they are predominantly grown in greenhouses, due to the temperamental weather conditions. Not only does this provide a protective warm environment, it also reduces the requirement for pesticides. British farmers also use predatory bugs which help keep pests at bay and reduce the need for chemicals.
  • Botanically speaking, tomatoes are a fruit as they are the edible part of the plant containing seeds. But in the 1880’s, a US supreme court ruled them a vegetable for taxation purposes. This was based on the use of tomatoes in cooking; typically being served with dinner as opposed to fruits which are served as dessert.
  • The Latin name for tomatoes is “Lycopersicon“. Lycopene is an antioxidant which gives the red pigment in tomatoes (and also other fruits eg watermelon/apricots). This antioxidant could potentially protect against some forms of cancer, the heart and sun damage. Lycopene is found at high levels in tomatoes but actually increases during the cooking process.
  • Tomatoes originated in the Andes in South America and were first cultivated by the Aztecs as early as 700 AD.
  • The word “tomato” comes from the Aztec word, “tomatl“.
  • China is the largest producer of tomatoes; accounting for a quarter of the world’s produce.
  • Spain holds the biggest food fight festival called La Tomatina in August every year. One hundred metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets of Bunol.
  • Tomatoes increase in weight as the ripen, even after harvesting.
  • Tomatoes are very low in calories with 123g containing only 22kcal.
  • Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C & K, folate and potassium.

Always good to spice up your general knowledge!

Now don’t forget to add some tomatoes into your diet for a nutrient packed, low cal hit. Also look out for those grown locally to support British farmers.

Check out Chris’ tomato recipe blog here for some kitchen inspiration. I actually make a mean roast tomato and red pepper soup. Keep your eyes peeled for the recipe to feature soon.