Tomatoes are one of the most beloved cultivated plants in the world, adding vibrant colour and unique flavour to dishes. They have become an integral part of the cuisines of many nations, from Mediterranean to Latin American. You may not know that tomatoes have a long history rich in cultural and scientific discoveries. Their significance goes far beyond the culinary sphere, as they are connected with myths, economics and even politics. Here are fascinating facts that will let you see tomatoes from a completely new perspective.
- The homeland of tomatoes is South America, specifically the territory of present-day Peru and northern Chile. Wild varieties grew there thousands of years ago before being domesticated. They reached Europe in the 16th century thanks to Spanish sailors.
- When tomatoes first appeared in Europe, they were initially considered poisonous. This was due to their belonging to the nightshade family, which includes poisonous plants such as belladonna. For a long time, they were cultivated only as ornamental plants.
- In Italian, the name for tomato is pomodoro, which means “golden apple”. The first varieties brought to Italy were indeed yellow or orange. Over time, selective breeding led to the familiar red fruits we know today.
- From a botanical perspective, tomatoes are berries, but in cooking they are classified as vegetables. This double classification often causes confusion, even among specialists. In 1893, the Supreme Court of the United States officially recognised tomatoes as vegetables for tax purposes.
- There are over 10,000 varieties of tomatoes differing in shape, colour, taste and size. They include tiny cherry tomatoes, elongated plum types and large meaty fruits weighing more than a kilogram. The colour palette includes not only red but also yellow, orange, green, purple and even almost black.
- Tomatoes are about 95 percent water, which makes them a low-calorie product. At the same time, they are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, B vitamins, potassium and the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene gives the fruit its red colour and helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Lycopene is better absorbed by the body after heat treatment. That is why tomato juice, sauces and paste can be even better sources of this antioxidant than fresh tomatoes. This is one reason why cooked tomato dishes are so popular in healthy diets.
- During space flights, tomatoes have been grown on board space stations as part of experiments on astronaut nutrition. They showed good results when cultivated in microgravity conditions. This makes them a promising crop for future space missions.
- More than 180 million tonnes of tomatoes are produced worldwide each year, making them one of the most popular crops on the planet. The leading producers are China, India and Turkey. A significant part of the harvest is processed into sauces, paste and canned products.
- The heaviest tomato on record was grown in the United States and weighed more than 3.9 kilograms. Such a giant is the result of special care, fertile soil and a favourable climate. Similar achievements often enter the Guinness World Records.
- Some tomato varieties taste sweeter, others more acidic, depending on their sugar and acid content. Taste is also influenced by growing conditions, the amount of sunlight and even soil composition. This explains why tomatoes from different regions can vary greatly in flavour.
- Tomatoes can be grown not only in open ground but also in greenhouses, on balconies and even in indoor pots. There are compact varieties specially developed for home cultivation. This allows people to enjoy fresh fruits even in urban settings.
- In Japan, a special “tomato robot-backpack” was created that automatically serves fresh tomatoes to a runner during a marathon to maintain energy. This invention caused surprise and smiles but became an interesting example of creative product use. It also drew attention to the benefits of tomatoes in sports nutrition.
- Tomatoes were an important part of Aztec and Mayan culture, used to prepare various sauces. The word “tomato” comes from the Aztec word “tomatl”. Over time, this crop spread all over the world, becoming a global food product.
- In some countries, festivals dedicated to tomatoes are held, the most famous being Spain’s La Tomatina. During this celebration, thousands of people take part in a massive tomato fight. It has become a colourful tourist attraction drawing visitors from around the globe.
- Tomatoes can influence mood thanks to their folic acid and antioxidant content. They help produce serotonin, the happiness hormone, and assist in combating stress. This makes them not only a healthy but also a “positive” product.
Tomatoes are a true treasure for cuisine, science and culture alike. Interesting facts about them show that this plant has an exceptionally rich history and unique properties. You may not know it, but every tomato that reaches our table is the result of thousands of years of history and the work of many generations. Tomatoes should be valued not only for their taste but also for their contribution to world culture and health.
