TOMATO BITS AND PIECES 
- tomatoes are over 93% water
- raw tomato is effective in reducing liver inflammation from hepatitis & cirrhosis
- tomatoes have been shown to reduce the risk of many types of cancer
- it is the lycopene in tomatoes that helps prevent disease and neutralize free radicals
- the darker the tomato, the more lycopene
- eating lycopene with oil helps its absorption
- do not eat raw green tomatoes as they contain a toxin that is very detrimental to the body
- tomatoes are native to Peru & Central America
- tomatoes were not introduced to Italy until the 16th century
- Aztecs called it tomatl, which the English spelled tomate, the Spanish changed the e to an o to make the word look more Spanish
- tomatoes belong to the nightshade family whose vines are toxic
- most commercial tomatoes are picked and shipped green and artificially ripened in ethylene gas chambers
- refrigeration drains tomatoes of flavor and gives them a mealy texture
- heirloom tomatoes are open pollinators and can self-fertilize - save the seeds and you will get a very similar tomato when planted
- new hybrids (such as Big Boy) don't self-fertilize - save these seeds and you will get a mixed result when planted
- all tomatoes taste best when allowed to ripen on the vine
We are at the end of the tomato season, but seasonal produce can always be found at:
www.farmerscommunitymarket.com
