Did you know the word tomato means “something round and plump”?

Botanically, tomatoes are considered a fruit because they are the fruit of a vine and have seeds, but most people consider them a vegetable. MyPlate classifies tomatoes as a vegetable due to the nutrients found in them and the way we prepare them. When growing tomatoes, it is recommended to plant tomato seeds outside in a location that gets plenty of sunlight. Tomatoes grow from a vine and should be harvested when they feel firm and have a deep color. Tomatoes can come in a variety of different colors such as red, green, orange, or yellow! Popular types of tomatoes include cherry, plum, sun gold cherry, and beefsteak.

Tomatoes are jam packed with nutrients that help keep our bodies strong, like Vitamin C and Lycopene. Both vitamin C and lycopene support our immune system. Lycopene may also decrease the chance of getting cancer and heart disease.

When buying fresh tomatoes look for ones that are smooth, bright, shiny, and firm. Canned or dried tomatoes are good options to purchase in the grocery store as well!  Store whole tomatoes on the countertop, out of direct sunlight, and use within one week of purchasing. When using fresh tomatoes, wash them in cold water and cut the stem out. Tomatoes can be cut horizontally into slices or vertically into wedges. Store cut tomatoes in the refrigerator or put them in a freezer bag to freeze. 

The average person eats over 22 pounds of tomatoes every year, usually as ketchup and tomato sauce - Wow! However, there’s no limit to how you can eat tomatoes! Try them fresh, grilled, baked, or boiled. You can make homemade tomato sauce, salsa, soup, salad, and snacks with them too. 

Give tomatoes a try with your next meal or snack!