Fruit or Vegetable? Who Cares? Have One!

Is it a fruit or is it a vegetable? Unravel the mysteries of the ruby-red beauty also known as the tomato.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says tomatoes come in 25,000 varieties and it appears demand for this nutritious and delicious produce is ever-increasing. Americans have increased their tomato consumption 30 percent over the last 20 years, mostly in processed forms such as sauce, paste, and salsa. Canada is the largest producer of greenhouse tomatoes in North America.

Yet, still the question remains, is the tomato a fruit or a vegetable?

The answer is simple. The tomato is a fruit, but it is used as a vegetable in cooking. Many think of tomatoes as a vegetable, because most recipes that involve tomatoes involve savory cooking instead of sweet.

Tomatoes deliver a lot more than their rich color and robust flavor. They also have a red-hot reputation as guardians of good health. Tomatoes are great sources of Vitamins C, K, and A, and are loaded with beta-carotene, lycopene, potassium, and fiber.

So what does it mean health-wise to eat this fruit raw, grilled, roasted, stewed, sautéed, or even puréed? Tomatoes contribute to better heart and bone health. Their powerful nutrients may also help lower the risk of pancreatic and other cancers, reduce migraine pain, and aid in blood sugar control.

by Soleatha Ransom