Tomato

Description

The tomato is a juicy fruit with smooth skin, usually red, although there are also yellow, orange, and green varieties; its taste ranges from sweet and sour to slightly umami, with a pleasant freshness and aroma of a summer orchard. Thanks to its versatile flavor profile, it pairs well raw in salads and salsas, stewed in sauces and soups, roasted with herbs, and also as a base for spreads, bruschetta, or gazpacho. The tomato is low in calories, rich in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, vitamin K, and folic acid, as well as the antioxidant lycopene, which supports heart health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers. For the best quality, store unripe tomatoes at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and eat ripe ones fresh or store them briefly in a cooler place; refrigeration extends shelf life but may weaken flavor, so it's worth taking them out earlier before serving.