The wild species originated in the Andes Mountains of South America, probably mainly in Peru and Ecuador, and is thought to have been domesticated in pre-Columbian Mexico; its name is derived from the Náhuatl (Aztec) word tomatl.
Who invented the tomato?
The tomato is native to western South America and Central America. In 1519, Cortez discovered tomatoes growing in Montezuma’s gardens and brought seeds back to Europe where they were planted as ornamental curiosities, but not eaten.
Where was tomato first found?
Cultivated tomatoes apparently originated as wild forms in the Peru-Ecuador-Bolivia area of the Andes. Moderate altitudes in that mountainous land abound today in a wide range of forms of tomato, both wild and cultivated.
What are some interesting historical facts about tomatoes?
Sounds messy!
- The largest ever tomato on record was picked in Oklahoma, USA, in 1986.
- In Ohio, USA, they love tomatoes so much that tomato juice is the official state drink!
- There are around 10,000 varieties of tomatoes worldwide!
- The first tomatoes in Europe may originally have been yellow.
What was the tomatoes original name?
The Latin Name for the tomato is Lysopersicon Esculentum (eventually renamed to Solanum Lycopersicum). A renowned French Botanist by the name of Joseph Pitton de Tournefort gave it the original latin name. Literally translated, the original Latin name translates as “Wolfpeach”.
Did you know facts about tomatoes?
10 Fun Facts About Tomatoes
- Tomatoes Are Not Always Red.
- There Are Over 10 Thousand Varieties Of Tomato.
- Tomatoes Are Technically A Fruit.
- Tomatoes Have Been to Space.
- The First Tomatoes were Gold and Considered an Aphrodisiac.
- China is the Largest Producer of Tomatoes.
- There’s Some Guinness Book Of World Records Tomatoes.
What color were tomatoes originally?
Tomato’s original colour was orange and now it’s making a superfood comeback. You say ‘to-may-to’, I say ‘to-mah-to’, but most don’t say ‘orange’ when describing the popular fruit. The orange — or golden — tomato is believed to be the first ever tomato, exported from Mexico to the rest of the world 500 years ago.
What did the original tomato look like?
Early incarnations of the plant had tiny green or yellow fruit. It was used in cooking by the Aztecs, and later explorers brought the tomato back to Spain and Italy.
Why is tomato called a fruit?
Tomatoes are botanically defined as fruits because they form from a flower and contain seeds. Still, they’re most often utilized like a vegetable in cooking. In fact, the US Supreme Court ruled in 1893 that the tomato should be classified as a vegetable on the basis of its culinary applications.
Where do tomatoes grow naturally?
Tomatoes are native to South America, in fact, several species are still found growing wild in the Andes. Brought to Mexico, tomatoes were domesticated and cultivated there by 500 BC.
Do tomatoes clean your blood?
Tomatoes contain a great deal of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. This is primarily because these vitamins and beta-carotene work as antioxidants to neutralize harmful free radicals in the blood.
What is the biggest tomato in the world?
The achievement was authenticated by the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC). The tomato was of the “Domingo” variety. It had a circumference of 33 in (83.8 cm), contributed to by a number of outgrowths on the fruit known as “dingleberries” – a feature common to giant tomatoes.
What are tomatoes most used for?
Tomatoes are extremely versatile and are great for grilling, roasting, sautéing—even on their own as a healthy snack. Whether it’s a meaty Beefsteak or a small but snappy cherry tomato, adding these antioxidant powerhouses to your meal can add a much-needed burst of flavor.
Who named a tomato?
The Mexican Nahuatl word tomatl gave rise to the Spanish word tomate, from which the English word tomato derived. Its domestication and use as a cultivated food may have originated with the indigenous peoples of Mexico.
Can dogs eat tomatoes?
Dogs can eat tomatoes but only in small amounts. Ripe tomatoes are considered nontoxic to dogs and can be fed in moderation as an occasional snack.
What is a group of tomatoes called?
Fruity Collective Nouns. Apples: bushel Bananas: bunch Coconuts: cluster Plums: basket Strawberries: patch Melons: bouquet Tomatoes: clutch.
Why are tomatoes healthy?
Tomatoes are loaded with a substance called lycopene. It gives them their bright red color and helps protect them from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. In much the same way, it can help protect your cells from damage. Tomatoes also have potassium, vitamins B and E, and other nutrients.
How do tomatoes grow?
Tomatoes are split into two main growing types: determinate (bush) and indeterminate (cordon). Bush types are usually planted in pots or hanging baskets and their stems trail around the edge. Cordon types are trained to grow tall and are supported by a cane or stake.
Is the tomato a fruit?
To a botanist, a fruit is an entity that develops from the fertilized ovary of a flower. This means that tomatoes, squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants, corn kernels, and bean and pea pods are all fruits; so are apples, pears, peaches, apricots, melons and mangos.
What color tomato is the sweetest?
Yellow tomatoes tend to be sweeter and less acidic, with a generally mild flavor, Kirschenbaum says. Orange tomatoes, offer a rich orange color and mild fruity flavor, Davis-Hollander says, without the acidity associated with classic tomato flavor.
Why did people think tomatoes were poisonous?
The mistaken idea that tomatoes were poisonous probably arose because the plant belongs to the Nightshade family, of which some species are truly poisonous. The strong, unpleasant odor of the leaves and stems also contributed to the idea that the fruits were unfit for food.