Tomatoes are fleshy, juicy fruits belonging to the Solanaceae family. They come in a variety of shapes, from round to oval or even elongated, and range in color from scarlet red to bright yellow, to more exotic shades of zebra green. This versatile fruit is eaten all over the world, whether raw in refreshing salads, cooked in tasty sauces, or dried for delicious snacks.

Native to South America, the tomato has a fascinating history that goes back thousands of years. Pre-Columbian civilizations such as the Aztecs and Incas were among the first to cultivate and consume tomatoes. With the arrival of Europeans in America, the tomato was introduced to Europe in the 16th century.

Initially viewed with suspicion in Europe, the tomato was long considered poisonous due to its kinship with other plants in the Solanaceae family, such as belladonna. Over time, however, it gained in popularity thanks to its delicious flavor and culinary versatility. In the 18th century, Italians began using tomatoes in cooking, spreading their use across the continent.

The tomato then crossed the Atlantic back to North America, where it thrived in favorable climates. Over time, numerous tomato varieties were developed, each offering a unique palette of colors, sizes and flavors. Today, the tomato is one of the essential ingredients of world cuisine, symbolizing a rich blend of culinary tradition and gastronomic innovation.

Why is the tomato a fruit and not a vegetable?

Botanical classification distinguishes fruits from vegetables on the basis of specific criteria. In the case of tomatoes, they are technically classified as fruits according to botany. Here's why:

1. Botanical origin : In botanical terms, a fruit is the structure that develops from the ovary of a flower and contains the plant's seeds. Tomatoes, like other fruits such as apples and oranges, develop from the flower of a plant and contain seeds inside.

2. Culinary classification : However, in a culinary context, tomatoes are often considered vegetables. This classification is based on their use in cooking rather than their botanical structure. Vegetables are generally defined as edible parts of a plant that are neither sweet nor used primarily in desserts, which includes roots, stems, leaves and unsweetened fruits such as tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchinis.

3. History and legislation : The legal classification of tomatoes in the USA has even been the subject of legal debate. In 1893, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tomatoes would be taxed as vegetables, as they were primarily used as such, although botanically they were fruits. This decision was based on economic and commercial rather than botanical considerations.

Tomato varieties

Beefsteak "Coeur de boeuf" "Chair de boeuf" tomato: This variety is famous for its impressive size and meaty flesh, making it an ideal choice for sandwiches and burgers. Recognizable by its ribbed shape and tender flesh, the beef heart tomato is versatile in the kitchen. With its rich, juicy flavor, it adds a touch of deliciousness to any dish. Its juicy texture and sweet taste make it ideal for any dish.

Roma tomato : Known for its dense, slightly watery flesh, the Roma tomato is a must-have in the kitchen, especially for sauces and stews. Its concentrated flavor makes it an ideal ingredient for intensifying the flavors of many dishes.

Cherry Tomato : Small, round and sweet, cherry tomatoes are a delight to munch on as is, or added to salads for a touch of sweet freshness. Their small size also makes them perfect for aperitifs and appetizer platters.

Grape tomato : Small and sweet, the grape tomato is a popular variety for its perfect size for snacking. With its elongated shape and mild flavor, it's ideal for aperitifs and salads, bringing an explosion of freshness to every bite. Their thin skin and crunchy texture make them an irresistible snack for tomato lovers.

Tomate Apéro : This variety is specially designed for aperitifs, with its small size and sweet flavor. These tomatoes are perfect for eating as is as an aperitif, adding a touch of freshness and color to any aperitif platter. Their firm texture and delicate flavor make them a tasty snack for any occasion.

Tomate Mini Apéro : With their small size and intense flavor, mini apéro tomatoes are perfect for aperitif platters and quick snacks. Their juicy flesh and sweet taste make them a popular option to accompany cheese, crackers and other appetizers. Their versatility in the kitchen also makes them an ideal choice for salads and side dishes.

Tomate Marmande : Native to France, the Marmande tomato is appreciated for its medium size and balanced flavor. It is often used in Mediterranean cuisine for its juicy flesh and culinary versatility.

Pineapple tomato : With its yellow and red stripes reminiscent of exotic fruit, the pineapple tomato offers a sweet and tangy flavor that makes it a delicious addition to salads and summer dishes. Its juicy flesh and soft texture make it a very popular variety.

Green Zebra tomato : Recognizable by its light-green, ridged skin, the Green Zebra tomato offers a refreshing, tangy flavor that adds a touch of freshness to dishes. Perfect for salads or to add color and flavor to any dish.

Pigeon Heart Tomato: Small and heart-shaped, the pigeon heart tomato is appreciated for its sweet flavor and tender texture. Perfect for salads or as a healthy snack.

Rose de Berne tomato: Native to Switzerland, the Rose de Berne tomato is known for its pink skin and sweet, rich flavor. It is delicious eaten fresh in salads or sliced for sandwiches.

Black Crimean tomato : Originating from Russia, this variety is characterized by its dark color and meaty flesh. With its complex, slightly smoky flavor, it is much appreciated by tomato lovers for its culinary versatility and unique taste.

Brandywine tomato : An heirloom variety with large pink tomatoes, the Brandywine tomato offers a sweet, rich flavor. It's perfect for sandwiches and salads, adding a touch of deliciousness to every bite.

Yellow Brandywine tomato: The Brandywine Yellow tomato is a variety derived from the famous Brandywine tomato, but with a golden-yellow skin. These tomatoes are appreciated for their sweet, rich flavor, which is slightly less acidic than that of the red variety. Their juicy flesh and tender texture make them a delight to enjoy fresh in salads or thickly sliced in sandwiches. Brandywine Yellow tomatoes offer a unique taste experience with a slight sweet note and velvety texture, making them a popular choice for tomato lovers looking for new flavors in their garden and kitchen.

Yellow Tomato: With its bright yellow color, the yellow tomato offers a slightly sweeter flavor than red varieties. It's perfect for bringing visual variety to dishes while offering a burst of sweet flavor.

Cocktail Tomato: Small and flavorful, the cocktail tomato is perfect for aperitifs or as a garnish in dishes. With its firm texture and sweet flavor, it is appreciated by tomato lovers of all kinds.

San Marzano tomato: Native to Italy, the San Marzano tomato is famous for its dense flesh and low seed content, making it an ideal choice for preparing sauces. Its delicate flavor and velvety texture make it a favorite among chefs and Italian food lovers.

Big Boy Tomato: A popular American variety, the Big Boy tomato is distinguished by its large, fleshy tomatoes. Perfect for thick slices in sandwiches or as an accompaniment to main courses, they offer an explosion of flavor in every bite.

Tomato nutrition highlights

Not only are tomatoes delicious, but they are also highly beneficial to your health thanks to their nutritional composition. Here are just a few of their nutritional highlights:

1. Rich in vitamins and minerals: Tomatoes are an excellent source of essential vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A, as well as minerals such as potassium and manganese. These nutrients are important for immune system function, blood clotting, bone health and blood pressure regulation.

2. Low in calories: Tomatoes are naturally low in calories, making them an ideal choice for those looking to control their weight. An average tomato contains around 20-30 calories, making them a healthy and satiating snack option.

3. Rich in antioxidants: Tomatoes contain a number of antioxidants, including lycopene, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. These compounds can help reduce inflammation, protect cells from free radical damage, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

4. Source of fiber: Tomatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, especially in their raw form. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, as it promotes regular intestinal transit and can help reduce the risk of intestinal diseases such as diverticulosis.

5. Support for cardiovascular health: Regular consumption of tomatoes has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, thanks in particular to their potassium, lycopene and other heart-healthy phytochemicals.

Choosing and storing tomatoes

When choosing and storing tomatoes, a few simple tips can ensure that you get the best fruit, and that you can store them in optimal conditions. Here are a few guidelines to follow:

How to choose tomatoes

1. Appearance: Choose tomatoes that are firm but slightly soft to the touch, avoiding those that are too hard or soft. Look for smooth, shiny skin, without wrinkles or dark spots.

2. Color: Color may vary by variety, but make sure the color is uniform and bright. Ripe tomatoes tend to have an intense color, whether red, yellow, or other depending on the variety.

3. Odor: If possible, smell the tomatoes to check for a sweet, fresh fragrance. Ripe tomatoes often have a pleasant, subtle smell.

4. Stem: Make sure the tomato stem is intact. A fresh green stem usually indicates a fresh tomato.

Tomato storage

1. Temperature : Fresh tomatoes should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate them, as this can alter their texture and flavor.

2. Storage : If your tomatoes are not yet ripe, place them in a cool, dark place, such as a windowsill, to ripen naturally. Once ripe, store them on the kitchen counter at room temperature.

3. Separation: If tomatoes are already ripe, avoid piling them on top of each other, as this can lead to bruising and faster spoilage. Instead, place them in a basket or on a plate in a single layer.

4. Quick to use: Tomatoes are generally best when eaten within 3-5 days of purchase. Try to use them quickly for optimum freshness and flavor.

Tips for preparing tomatoes

Here are a few tips on how to prepare tomatoes efficiently and deliciously:

1. Wash thoroughly : Before using, wash tomatoes under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Use a soft vegetable brush if necessary to clean the skin.

2. Remove stem: Use a sharp knife to remove the tomato stem. This can be done by making a small incision around the stem and removing it.

3. Peel if necessary: If you need peeled tomatoes for a recipe, plunge them into boiling water for about 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to ice-cold water. The skin should then peel off easily.

4. Cut evenly: Use a sharp knife to slice, quarter or dice tomatoes, making sure the pieces are uniform for even cooking.

5. Remove seeds: If you prefer tomatoes with fewer seeds, you can cut them in half horizontally and use a spoon to remove the seeds and juice before slicing.

6. Season in moderation: Tomatoes have a naturally delicious flavor, so don't be afraid to enjoy them with just a little salt and pepper, or with a touch of olive oil and fresh basil for a classic caprese salad.

7. Quick to use: Fresh tomatoes tend to taste best when eaten quickly after preparation. Try to incorporate them into your meals as soon as possible to enjoy their maximum flavor.

Why choose organic tomatoes?

Choosing organic tomatoes has benefits for health, farmers' well-being, the environment and the local economy. It's a choice that promotes long-term sustainability and health, while supporting farming practices that respect the environment and farming communities. Here are just a few reasons why choosing organic tomatoes makes sense:

1. Absence of pesticides and chemicals: Organic tomatoes are grown without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides or synthetic chemical fertilizers. This means that potentially harmful pesticide residues are not present on tomatoes, reducing exposure to potentially health-damaging chemicals.

2. Better nutritional quality: Studies have shown that organic fruit and vegetables are sometimes higher in certain nutrients, such as antioxidants, than their non-organic counterparts. Organic tomatoes can therefore offer better nutritional quality, with a higher concentration of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals beneficial to health.

3. Environmental protection: Growing tomatoes organically promotes sustainable farming practices that preserve soil health, reduce water pollution and protect biodiversity. By avoiding the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, organic production helps preserve ecosystems and reduce carbon footprints.

4. Support for local farmers: Many organic producers are local farmers who grow their produce sustainably. By promoting organic tomatoes, you support these farmers and help strengthen local economies.

Tomato recipes