The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a fruit from the nightshade family native to South America.
Despite botanically being a fruit, itâs generally eaten and prepared like a vegetable.
Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene.
They have been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.
Usually red when mature, tomatoes can also come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, green, and purple.
Whatâs more, many subspecies of tomatoes exist with different shapes and flavor.