Many argue about whether a tomato is a berry or a vegetable: let’s figure it out together and consider different points of view

“Red, tasty, although not sweet. Ripens in an ordinary garden bed...” Who among us in childhood did not guess the riddle about tomato? But what about the respected Signor Tomato from the famous fairy tale by Gianni Rodari “The Adventures of Cipollino”? This fruit is known everywhere; sauces and salads are made from it, used as a cosmetic, and preserved for the winter.

Gardeners around the world cannot imagine their garden without tomatoes or tomatoes. Have you ever wondered what the difference between them is? And in general, is a tomato a berry or a vegetable? Or maybe a fruit?

What is a tomato

Let's try to resolve the centuries-old dispute and figure out what this plant is.

Tomato from different points of view

There are three theories about the product category:

• botanical;
• culinary;
• household

According to the first theory, tomatoes are classified as berries, because in botany this term refers to a fruit with juicy pulp, thin skin and the presence of seeds.

Culinary theory says that it is a vegetable. Everything is clear here: we use it mainly when preparing meat, fish, and vegetable salads.

The everyday point of view says that the tomato is cultivated as a vegetable plant. In conversations among themselves, people are accustomed to understanding a tomato only as a vegetable, and not as a fruit or berry.

Interesting! In English there is no difference between the words "fruit" and "fruit".At the end of the 19th century, the American Supreme Court recognized that the tomato should be considered a vegetable because it was served primarily for lunch and not for dessert. Although the court also noted that from a botanical point of view it is still a berry.

How tomatoes originated and why the controversy arose

Peru is considered to be the birthplace of the plant. According to archaeological data, ancient people cultivated this culture back in the 5th century BC. Gradually it spread throughout the world. Columbus brought it to Europe in the 15th century. It is assumed that the reason for the dispute over whether it is a vegetable or a fruit lies in the name of the plant.

At the end of the 15th century in France, Belgium, Italy and Spain, the tomato was called the “apple of love.” In the Czech Republic and Hungary it was called the “apple of heaven.” It’s understandable: a round red fruit with pulp inside. This is where numerous theories and names came from.

Appearance in Russia

For our country, tomato is a relatively new plant. They began to grow it only 3 centuries ago. Empress Catherine II liked the taste and appearance of tomatoes so much that she ordered Italian tomatoes to be regularly delivered to the imperial table. In many homes, the plant was grown as an ornamental crop.

If tomato is a fruit, then why?

Europeans call soft, juicy fruits fruit. This is the only basis on which a tomato can be called a fruit plant.

In our country, we are skeptical about this: we do not add tomatoes to sweet dishes, do not pour juice over ice cream, and do not treat children as sweets. Therefore, for our country, a tomato is exclusively a vegetable.

History of tomatoes

In addition to the generally accepted point of view, some scientists consider not only Peru, but also Mexico and South America, to be the birthplace of the culture.The Indians also grew tomatoes, calling the plant “tumatl”. From this it becomes clear why today the crop is called “tomato”.

Some information from botany

Initially, botanists classified the plant as a member of the nightshade family. It is known for its poisonous properties, so for a long time tomatoes were considered a poisonous crop. In fact, fruits and seeds do not pose any threat to life and health.

Interesting! There is a legend that during America’s struggle for independence, George Washington’s cook wanted to poison the president with a “poisonous” dish - meat with tomatoes. The President was pleased with the dinner, but the cook cut his own throat because he was afraid of reprisals for the crime he had committed.

Today, botanists call the tomato a polystellar syncarpous berry. However, it is grown as a vegetable. The tomato harvest is harvested after short tillage and loosening of the soil. Gardeners love tomatoes very much - there are already about 500 varieties.

Interesting Facts

The history of the origin and spread of culture is overgrown with myths and legends, as well as scientifically proven interesting facts:

1. Colonel Robert Johnson managed to prove that tomatoes do not pose a threat to people, who in 1820 ate an entire bucket of tomatoes in front of a courthouse in New Jersey. The public saw that everything was fine with him, and from then on they stopped treating tomatoes as a poisonous plant.
2. Tomatoes are called differently in different countries: in Germany – “paradise apple”, in France – “apple of love”.
3. There is a tiny tomato in nature. Its size is only 2 cm in diameter.
4. China occupies the leading place in the world in growing tomatoes.
5. In addition to red, tomatoes come in black, yellow and pink colors.
6. Tomatoes do not contain cholesterol, but they contain many useful elements, such as vitamins A and C, and fiber.
7. They say that tomatoes improve your mood, as they contain the “happiness hormone” - serotonin.
8. Heat treatment only improves the quality of the fruit.
9. It is better to store tomatoes in a warm place, as low temperatures spoil them faster.
10. Doctors say that regular consumption of tomatoes reduces the risk of cancer.
11. For a long time, tomatoes have been used as decoration for gardens.
12. When tomatoes were first brought to Russia, they were called “mad berries” and “sinful fruits.”
13. Tomatoes slow down skin aging. This is due to the fact that they contain the pigment lycopene, the highest content of which is observed not in fresh vegetables, but in tomato paste or juice.
14. The claim that tomatoes are aphrodisiacs is false.

What is the difference between a tomato and a tomato?

A tomato is a vegetable crop, and a tomato is a tomato fruit. From this it follows that it is correct to say “tomato variety” and not “tomato variety”. In everyday conversation there is no difference between a tomato and a tomato.

If the cookbook says “two tomatoes” or “two tomatoes,” then you will still have one picture in your head - a spherical red fruit. The same can be said about tomato juice and tomato paste.

Tomatoes in medicine and in everyday life

In addition to its bright taste, the plant is widely popular in folk medicine. Not only the fruits, but also the stems are used for medicinal purposes. A bath of brewed tops has an effective anti-inflammatory effect for the feet.

Daily use of freshly squeezed tomato juice strengthens the immune system, and also helps cope with stomach diseases and normalizes metabolism.

In addition, tomato is considered an excellent cough remedy. You just need to chop the vegetable, mix it with garlic and eat it with meals.

Important! Tomato fruit is an allergenic product. If you are prone to allergies, eat tomatoes with caution. Doctors advise people who have problems with the liver and gall bladder to be careful. And if a person suffers from arthritis, then the use of this product should be completely abandoned.

In cosmetology

With the help of this plant they get rid of wen, for which the skin is treated with a piece of the vegetable. Tomato also gives the skin a healthy complexion and protects it from exposure to sunlight. The fruit is used in the manufacture of cosmetic creams: it has an antioxidant effect and a rejuvenating effect, smoothes wrinkles and reduces pores.

Green tomato is actively used in cosmetology. Thanks to its properties, it helps reduce inflammation and itching, accelerate skin restoration and scar healing.

In other words, the plant has rich reserves of vitamins and beneficial elements. Regular use of the product has a beneficial effect not only on internal organs, but also improves the condition of the skin.

Read also:

How to grow and tie tall tomatoes.

What's so good about chickpeas?

What diseases do tomatoes suffer from and how to treat them.

Conclusion

A tomato can be called a fruit, a vegetable, and a berry. Also, you will not be mistaken if you say that a tomato and a tomato are the same thing. In everyday terms there is no difference between them. The culture first appeared in ancient Peru, and over time it spread throughout the world. It is surprising that at first the plant was considered poisonous and was used only as a decorative element.

Today it is difficult to imagine a garden without tomatoes. People love this vegetable, adding it to salads, soups, cooking tomato paste and canning tomato juice. The product also has beneficial anti-aging properties: improves skin color and cleanses the body. However, do not forget that tomato is dangerous for allergy sufferers and should be consumed in moderation.