Tomato
Japanese Name:
トマト
Romaji Name:
tomato
Description
↓↓
Tomato (tomato in Japanese, too) is a round fruit that is usually red, though it can also be yellow, orange, or green. It has smooth skin, juicy flesh, and many small seeds inside. Although botanically a fruit, it is commonly used as a vegetable in cooking. Tomatoes are eaten raw in salads, made into sauces, soups, and juice, and are an important ingredient in cuisines around the world. They are also rich in vitamins like vitamin C and lycopene, which is good for health.
History
↓↓
The word "tomato" comes from the Spanish word "tomate," which itself originates from the Nahuatl (Aztec language) word "tomatl." Tomatoes are native to western South America and Central America. They were first cultivated by the indigenous peoples of Mexico around 500 BC.
After the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in the 16th century, tomatoes were brought to Europe. At first, Europeans were suspicious of tomatoes and thought they might be poisonous because they belong to the nightshade family. However, over time, tomatoes became popular in European cuisine, especially in Italy.