The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, synonym: Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the most popular vegetables. They are easy to grow, cheap, and healthy. Moreover, they can be used and processed in many different ways. They can be used in soups, sauces, salads and are delicious on bread. The tomato comes from the same family as chili peppers, potatoes, squash and tobacco. This family is called the nightshade family (Solanaceae).
Vegetable or fruit?
Botanically speaking, the tomato is actually a berry and is classified as a fruit. Most people call it a vegetable though, just as they do in horticulture.
History
The tomato has its origin in South America. Still, the tomato grows there in the wild. The Mayans and the Aztecs later were the first people who cultivated the tomato...
Indeterminate versus determinate
Indeterminate tomatoes
The indeterminate tomato is the largest group of tomatoes and is usually pruned (see pruning and topping). The plant grows until it dies because of frost or disease...
Determinate tomato (or bush tomato)
Determinate tomatoes stop growing themselves. Unlike indeterminate tomatoes, which produce tomatoes throughout the season, determinate types produce tomatoes in a short period, all at once...
Hybrid or Heirloom tomato
By crossing tomato plants, plants can be obtained that combine the best features of both. Most tomatoes in the supermarkets are hybrid tomatoes...
Tomato types
Harvest time:
- Early - Early tomatoes mature within 65 days after repotting.
- Midseason - Midseason tomatoes take between 65 and 80 days after repotting to mature and be ready for harvest.
- Late - Late tomatoes take between 80 and 100 days after repotting before they are mature.
Form:
- Cherry
- Grape
- Roma
- Round
- Beef
Use:
- Frying
- Salad
- BBQ
- Bread
- Soup / Sauce