Tomatoes are native to South America. There is even ancient writings that indicate that the Aztecs of Central Mexico prepared tomatoes with peppers, corn and salt - much like a salsa recipe. Food historians believe that the first tomato grown in the United States was in South Carolina.Today every state in the US grows tomatoes except for Alaska. Florida grows the most fresh tomatoes while California grows most of the tomatoes that become processed. However China grows the most tomatoes in the world.

An often debated topic is whether a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable. According to a botanist a tomato is a fruit as it is contains the seeds of its plant within it. This means that green beans, Squashes and cucumbers are also fruit. All of these ‘fruits’ however are typically culinary used as a vegetable.

Tomatoes are very low in calories, about 45 calories per tomato. They are also a great source of antioxidants that has been shown to cut the risk of some cancers by up to 45%. It also provides a good amount of vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium and iron. A very nutritious food whether you eat it raw, cooked or pureed.

When buying tomatoes or picking them from a garden choose clean, well formed, firm tomatoes with no soft spots or any damages such as sunscalds or pokes.

For unripe tomatoes store them in a paper bag for a day or two. Store ripe tomatoes in a cool place, around 55 degrees F. Cut tomatoes should be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container.

Recipes using fresh tomatoes: