The tomato is the fruit of the Lycopersicon Lycopersicum plant and a member of the Solanaceae family. Although tomatoes are fruits in the botanical sense of the term, they do not have the same sweetness as other fruits. Instead, this sweetness is replaced by a slight bitter and acid taste. Tomatoes are prepared and cooked like other vegetables, which is why they are categorized that way.
The tomato is an extremely popular and very versatile food that can be found in a multitude of shapes, colors and sizes. Tomatoes have pulpy segments inside them filled with seeds surrounded by an aqueous matrix.
The best way to consume this vegetable is in soup, stewed or as compote. In a simple salad, the tomato is delicious with just a pinch of salt and a strand of olive oil.
Tomatoes should be kept in an open basket at a room temperature of 18ºC.
A perfect tomato should be smooth to the touch, clean and should have no cracks or visible spots. The intensity of the color is a good indicator of the degree of maturation.
Health Benefits
Source of vitamin C, rich in fiber and low in sugars;
Has excellent antioxidant properties, which help prevent cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancers.
Origin: Portugal
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