Tomato

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Tomato (təˈmɑːtoʊ)

The Tomato (Latin: Solanum lycopersicum) is a plant species in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), native to western South America. The species originated in western South America and Central America. The Nahuatl (Aztec language) word tomatl gave rise to the Spanish word "tomate", from which the English word tomato derived.

Etymology

The word "tomato" comes from the Spanish tomate, which in turn comes from the Nahuatl word tomatl. It first appeared in print in 1595. The tomato is native to western South America.

Description

Wild versions were small, like cherry tomatoes, and most likely yellow rather than red. A member of the deadly nightshade family, tomatoes were erroneously thought to be poisonous by Europeans who were suspicious of their bright, shiny fruit.

Nutritional Value

Tomatoes are packed with beneficial nutrients and antioxidants and are a rich source of vitamins A and C and folic acid. They contain a wide array of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, including alpha-lipoic acid, lycopene, choline, folic acid, beta-carotene and lutein.

Related Terms

  • Solanaceae: The family of plants to which the tomato belongs.
  • Lycopene: A bright red carotenoid hydrocarbon found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables.
  • Cherry Tomato: A smaller variety of the tomato plant.
  • Nightshade: A family of plants that includes the tomato, often associated with poison.

External links

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