Health Benefits of TOMATO

Tomato:

The origion of word Tomato is Spanish word tomato,which means the swelling fruit.  Nutritionists consider it vegetables whereas botanically it is considered fruit. A fruit is a ripened flower ovary and contains seeds.

History:

Native to South America is the wild ancestor of the tomato. The size of wild versions were like peas. Mesoamerican people cultivated tomato domestically first. They used it in their cooking. The Spanish introduced it first to Europe and they used in Spanish food. France , Italy and Northern Europe grew tomato as anornamental plant.

Cultivation:

There are numerous varieties of the tomato .This plant is grown in temperate climates across the world. Production of  tomato can be achieved throughout all the seasons of the year. They are vines, having weak stem and need support. Greenhouses are used for growing tomatoes in cooler climates. Tomato size varies according to the cultivar.Tomato plants to face several diseases which affect production badly.        

Picking and ripening:

Tomatoes are often picked unripe for transportation and storage. Tomatoes are ripened with the help of ethylene.

Nutrients:

Followinmg nutriemt  are found in tomato:

Protein                          

Carbs

Sugar

Fiber

Fat

Vitamin C

Potassium

Vitmin K1

Vitamin  B

Consumption:

Tomato is used in many ways .It is used in salads or slices in raw form ,in variety of dishes. Ketchup and tomato soup are made of it .Unripe green tomatoes are used for pickle. Tomato juice is also  prepared and sold.