Tomato is botanically classified as a fruit, actually it is a berry but many people see it as a vegetable, so therefore they are served and prepared as vegetable, which is why most people consider them as a vegetable and not a fruit.
Tomatoes are one of the major vegetables in Nigeria. It is used for a variety of things such as
STEW
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EGGS
METHODS OF GROWING TOMATOES
Tomatoes perform favourably in areas where there is enough sunlight, so the site to be used to plant the tomatoes should possess that qualities.
In Nigeria, tomato is normally planted in the northern part of the country because of this phenomenon.
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The tomato plant should be staked with a stick so that the plant will not grow on the ground and water should be applied generously within its early stage of growth.
The plant should be spaced about two inches from each other. Appropriate fertilizer should be applied on the plant occasionally to boost its growth.
STORAGE METHODS
Tomatoes have a short shelf life, so the storage technique is important so that it will not perish.
Ripe tomatoes should be stored at room temperature and used within a few days.
Tomatoes should not be refrigerated, as the cold temperature spoils the flavour and turns the flesh grainy.
If you must refrigerate tomatoes, it must be first put in a freezer bag before it is put in the refrigerated.
It can also be canned as a means of preservation.
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NUTRITIONAL VALUES
Tomatoes are full of a nutrient that is why it is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world.
A cup of tomatoes contain;
32 calories
170.14 gram of water
1.58 gram of protein
2.2 gram of fibre
5.8 gram of carbohydrates
It also have a high vitamin and mineral content, which includes;
18 mg of calcium
427 mg of potassium
43 mg of phosphorus
24.7 mg of Vitamin C
It also contains some beneficial anti oxidants such as;
Alpha- lipoic acid
Lycopene
Choline
Folic acid
Beta-Carotene
Lutein
It has been proven scientifically with the presence of all these nutrients and vitamins in tomatoes, it has the propensity to combat some illness if taken in required amount.
Such ailments include;
CANCER
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
DIABETES
CONSTIPATION
SKIN DISEASE and many more.
ADVERSE EFFECTS
Excessive intake of tomatoes has some serious side effects, some of them include;
Digestive Disorders, It can result in kidney stones, It can cause diarrhoea, It can result in irritable bowel syndrome.
It brings to my mind the saying that “too much of a thing is not good ” , therefore consume in moderation.
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