Tomato

Tomato, plant of the nightshade family grown for its bright red or yellow edible fruit. Native to the Andean regions of South America, the plant is now cultivated in most regions of the world. Once thought to be poisonous, tomatoes have become one of the most widely grown and commercially important crops. The numerous varieties differ greatly in plant form and fruit type, the latter ranging from a small currant size through cherry, plum, and pear forms to the large, nearly round fruits, 10 cm (4 in) or more in diameter, which are the most widely grown. All forms include red- and yellow-fruited varieties. Tomatoes are a valuable source of food minerals and vitamins, particularly vitamins A and C. In addition, studies have shown that people who eat large amounts of tomatoes or tomato products may be at lower risk of some kinds of cancer, especially cancer of the prostate gland, lung, and stomach.

Tomatoes are propagated from seeds. In temperate regions seeds are generally started in greenhouses, hotbeds, or cold frames; the plants are set out in the fields when danger of frost is past. Tomatoes do best in well-fertilized, sandy loams, but they also grow well in almost any type of fertile, well-drained soil. Research has focused on improving yield, flavor, and disease resistance.

In North America, most markets are supplied with tomatoes throughout the year. The winter crop is field-grown in Florida, Texas, California, and Mexico and grown in greenhouses in the North. Much of the southern crop is picked at a late green or pink stage, then ripened on its way to northern markets. Tomatoes for canning and processing into soups, sauces, and ketchups are widely grown in the Midwest and West, with the principal acreage in California. Harvest and handling procedures are highly mechanized. Most European markets for both fresh and processed tomatoes are supplied from the Mediterranean region and North Africa.

Scientific classification: The tomato belongs to the family Solanaceae. It is classified as Lycopersicon esculentum.