Green, yellow, and red, small as cherries or big enough to cut in half, and enjoy with oil, salt, and basil. For centuries, tomatoes – the scientific name Solanum lycopersicum, which means “wolf fish” – has been the main actor and star on our tables, especially in the summers.
Tomatoes are an incredibly fascinating fruit. In fact, there are at least ten intriguing curiosities about this juicy produce that we should all be aware of. So, let’s delve into the exciting world of science, history, culture, and cuisine to uncover some fascinating facts about tomatoes.
1 – WHERE DOES THE TOMATO COME FROM? It is a berry that originated in Peru and ancient cultures called xitomatl. They were small fruits of a golden color to eat in wedges. Over time, tomatoes would become red due to later grafting.
2 – WHEN DID THEY LAND IN EUROPE? The “pomo d’oro” spread throughout Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, starting in Italy, where the physician Pietro Andrea Mattioli (1501-1577) mentioned it for the first time in a scientific treatise.
3 – WHEN WAS THE FIRST SAUCE BORN? The first is the “salsa di Pomodoro, alla spagnuola” in Antonio Latini‘s 1694 recipe book “Lo scalco alla moderna,” on the art of preparing a good sauce with meat and tomatoes.
4 – IS IT A VEGETABLE OR A FRUIT? The tomato is a fruit. So are cucumbers, peppers, squash, peas, and eggplants, since they grow from flowers and have seeds. The tomato was officially deemed a “vegetable” in the U.S., as ruled by the Supreme Court in 1893.
5 – IS IT TRUE THAT TOMATOES ARE HEALTHY? Much so. Because, among other things, it is a source of vitamin C and B vitamins, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium. Scientific studies prove cooked tomatoes are healthier than fresh ones. Cooking for 15 minutes breaks the cell wall and releases lycopene, a valuable antioxidant that fights high cholesterol and heart disease.
6 – IS THERE AN ALLERGY TO TOMATOES? The “tomato allergy” can manifest with tingling in the mouth, hives, and facial swelling, among other symptoms. The problem lies in the fact that certain parts of the tomato are removed during the preparation of the dish, such as the seeds. When this separation is not done, unexpected allergic reactions appear.
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7 – WHICH TOMATO VARIETY IS THE TASTIEST? Among 10,000 varieties, we have the Raf tomato, which strongly contrasts acidity and sweetness—the perfect tomato for your salads. The Rosa de Barbastro also stands out, with its sweet flavor, thin skin and consistent pulp.
8 – IS IT TRUE THAT THE FIRST TOMATOES WERE POISONOUS? During the 18th century in Europe, tomato consumption significantly decreased due to its nickname, poisoned apple. This came about after aristocrats fell ill and died from consuming tomatoes. It happened because wealthy Europeans used dishes made of lead. When the food was served, the acidity of the fruits melted the lead, causing deaths by poisoning. Around 1880, with the invention of pizza in Naples, tomatoes overcame the distrust of European kitchens.
9 – WHY SHOULD THEY NOT BE STORED IN THE REFRIGERATOR? Tomatoes lose their flavor when the temperature drops below 12 degrees Celsius (53 F.) because the cold affects the enzymes responsible for their taste. In addition, the cold also alters its texture, as it breaks down the fruit’s membranes. Therefore, it is best to store tomatoes in a basket in the kitchen; or on the balcony, but protected from light.
10 – HOW TO MAKE GREEN TOMATOES TURN RED? Place them in a paper bag, seal them, and store them in a warm place. By keeping the tomatoes together, the ethylene they emit will stimulate ripening. You can also add a ripe banana or apple to the bag to speed things up. Once a tomato is ripe, remove it from the bag and enjoy it immediately.
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. They are also low in calories and rich in fiber, which makes them an excellent choice for weight loss.
Tomatoes are an essential source of income for many farmers around the world. In countries such as Italy and Spain, the economy depends on their production. In the U.S., the tomato industry generates billions of dollars each year.
The tomato also has cultural significance; its presence on the table is a symbol of family and community. Tomatoes are a vital ingredient in Italy’s pasta sauce, and its fame is celebrated annually during the “Tomato Festival” (Tomatina) in September.
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