Tomatoes are native to Mexico and the Andean regions of Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia in South America. The Incas and Aztecs have cultivated these plants since 700 AD.

Tomatoes are technically fruits since they contain the plant’s seeds. However, in 1893 the United States Supreme Court ruled the tomato is a vegetable.

Tomatoes come in many varieties, including cherry, grape, beefsteak, plum, slicing, and pear. Tomatoes are most commonly seen in shades of red, but orange, yellow, green, pink, and purple varieties exist too!

The word “tomato” comes from the Aztec language. The Nahuatl word tomatl means “something round and plump”. When tomatoes were first introduced to Europe, the French called them “the apple of love” and the Germans called them “the apple of paradise.” Italians refer to the tomato as “pomodoro” which translates as “golden apple”.

Nutrition and Seasonality

Key Nutrients

Potassium – Helps maintain normal blood pressure.
Vitamin C – Helps wounds heal, is important for the immune system, and is an antioxidant, which protects cells from damage.
Tomatoes contain the antioxidant Lycopene which gives them their bright red color and may help prevent certain types of cancer.

Seasonality

Fresh tomatoes grown in Wisconsin are available from mid-July through September.

Try New Foods

Let children help choose fruits and vegetables at the grocery store.

Is there a specific type of tomato they would like to try? Talk about the different colors and sizes.

Fresh Corn and Tomato Salsa Recipe

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Select: Choose tomatoes with bright skin and firm flesh.
Store: Keep at room temperature and away from sunlight for up to one week.
Prepare: Rinse under cool, running water and enjoy!

Add Tomatoes to Your Favorite Family Meals

Add fresh tomato to salads or sandwiches.
Cook down tomatoes for a fresh pasta sauce.
Dice tomatoes with garlic, onions, peppers, and cilantro or basil for a fresh salsa.

Books

Fruit is a Suitcase for Seeds by Jean Richards
I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato by Lauren Child
Little Yellow Pear Tomatoes by Demian Yumen
Tomatoes Grow on a Vine by Mari Schuh
Oh No Monster Tomato by Jim Helmore and Karen Wall
Burnica’s Tomatoes by Gawri Manecuta

Family Fun: Parts of a Tomato

Gather a few different types of tomatoes. Popular types of tomatoes include cherry, grape, beefsteak, plum, slicing, and pear. Tomatoes also come in different colors, such as red, orange, yellow, green, pink, and purple!
Cut each tomato in half. Can your child identify the skin, seeds, stem, and leaves?
How is each tomato the same or different?
Taste each one too!
Dice leftovers to make Pico de Gallo.

Garden Connection

Planting

Tomatoes can easily grow in the ground, raised beds, or pots. Tomato seeds are usually started indoors and then transplanted outside once the soil is warm and all danger of frost has passed. Tomatoes prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Some tomato plants can get up to 6 feet tall! It is important to provide support for your tomato plant, such as individual stakes, trellises, or cages.