Tomato - The World's Most Popular Vegetable

Tomato, also known as tomatillos, bell pepper, or cherry tomato, is a plant in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). It is one of the world's most popular vegetables and produces 189 million tonnes worldwide in 2021.

The tomato is a fruit of the tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum), an annual or biennial herbaceous flowering plant that is native to western South America, Mexico and Central America. The name "tomato" is derived from the Mexican Nahuatl word tomatl, which means "wolf-peach".

Although the species was originally classified as a member of the nightshade family, its roots and leaves contain the neurotoxin solanine, which is poisonous. The tomato was first brought to Europe and introduced as a food during the 16th century.

It is the most commonly eaten fruit in the world, and a staple ingredient of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. The fruit has a savoury flavor, and is a good source of Vitamin C and antioxidants.

Tomatoes can be used as a fresh vegetable in many dishes, including salads, soups, stews and pastas. They are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins and minerals, and have a low fat content.

They are also a common home canning ingredient. A large number of varieties are available for home gardeners, and many of them have varying degrees of resistance to pests and diseases.

Some cultivars of tomatoes, such as heirloom tomato varieties, are adapted to growing in arid climates. Others are bred to be more resistant to disease. Generally, hybrid plants are used to combine the disease-resistant characteristics of modern commercial tomatoes with some heirloom qualities.