The delicious summer fruit we know as the tomato has traveled a long and fascinating path to become one of America's favorite foods. Tomatoes originated in the South America, where many wild tomato relatives can still be found, and were first brought into cultivation as an agricultural crop by the indigenous tribes of the region. From there, the tomato traveled North to what is now Mexico, where it was given the name tomatl by the Nahuatl Indians. Europeans first came in contact with the tomato when the Spanish conquistadors reached Mexico. The tomato was carried back to Europe by explorers in the 16th century. However, the tomato received a mixed reception from Europeans. The Italians and French embraced the tomato as a food. The French gave the tomato the name pomme d'amour or "love apple", and it is difficult to imagine Italian food without tomatoes. Northern Europeans, however, believed the tomato to be poisonous and planted it in their gardens only as an ornamental and a symbol of status. Ironically, the tomato made its way into the American diet through European influence rather than Native American culture. The tomato now enjoys the status of the third most consumed vegetable in America. Yes, vegetable. While tomatoes are technically fruit, (The botanical definition of a fruit is a fleshy covering that contains the seeds of the plant) in 1893 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tomatoes are to be considered vegetables for the purpose of taxation. Whether you call them fruits or vegetables tomatoes are a great addition to any summer garden.
Botanical Name: Lycopersicon esculentum
Description: Tomatoes are a vining plant that should be staked to keep fruit off the ground. Tomatoes have perfect flowers that are self-fertile, so you only need one plant in order to get fruit. Determinate plants grow to a certain size and bear fruit that ripen all at once. Indeterminate plants will continue to grow and set fruit over a longer season. Tomatoes come in a range of sizes, colors and flavors. Heirloom tomatoes have gained popularity in recent years. While lacking the uniformity of hybrids, heirloom tomatoes are prized for their flavor, unique appearance, and nutritional value. There are hundreds of varieties to choose from, so find the tomato that suits your particular tastes and needs.
Water: Moderate.
Light: Full Sun.
Soil: Well drained, loam.
Tips: Plant tomato starts extra deep. They will grow more roots along the buried stem and produce a healthier plant in the long run.
Seed Saving: You can save seeds from your favorite heirloom tomatoes (hybrids will not "come true" from seed) by: 1. Removing them from the flesh 2. Adding a little water and letting the seeds ferment for a few days (this helps separate the seeds from the gelatinous coating that surrounds them) 3. Viable seeds will sink to the bottom of the dish, pour off the rest them lay the seeds out to dry 4. Stored seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 5 years.
Whether it's sweet little cherry tomatoes straight off the vine, beefsteaks sliced for sandwiches or salads, or paste tomatoes cooked into tasty sauces, tomatoes add flavor and nutrition to any meal. Tomatoes are high in vitamins C and A. They also contain the antioxidant Lycopene, which is believed to help prevent certain cancers.
Whip up a Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Couscous Salad with fresh tomatoes from your garden. (http://www.parentsconnect.com/dishes/Mozzarella_Tomato_Basil_Couscous.jhtml)
