ABSTRACT
Tomatoes have grown a dual personality since emerging from their original reputation as a toxic and unpalatable member of the nightshade family. On the science side of their personality, tomatoes are a fruit because they contain seeds and grow from the ovary of a flowering plant. The healthy tomato is perhaps best recognized for the lycopene it contains. A tomato is far more than the sum of its carotenoids and contains a broad range of nutrients that contribute to its well-deserved reputation as a healthy addition to most diets, Western or otherwise. Less than a cup of tomato juice can provide up to 33 mg of vitamin C, while a single fresh tomato contributes 17 mg to a healthy diet. This may seem anemic compared to a single serving of orange juice at 93 mg, but the vitamin C content of tomatoes is nevertheless on a par with many other common fruits and vegetables.
