5. Tomatoes (Part 1): A Comprehensive Overview of the Nutrition and Benefits of Multivitamins in Fruits and Vegetables

Tomato Chapter

Tomatoes are usually eaten as fruit.

It has the effect of relieving summer heat and clearing away heat.

For example, insufficient gastric acid secretion and loss of appetite.

Eating ginger-infused tomatoes or tomato juice after meals can aid digestion.

Tomatoes are high in vitamin C and B vitamins.

It is very helpful for patients with angular cheilitis.

Tomato Encyclopedia

Scientific name: Lycopersin esculentum Mill

English name: Tomato, Love apple

Other names: Tangerine Honey, Stinky Persimmon, Tomato, Foreign Persimmon, Little Golden Pumpkin

Tomatoes belong to the Solanaceae family, genus *Solanum*, and are annual to biennial plants native to South America.

The mountainous and valley regions of the Andes Mountains were introduced to Europe and the world via Mexico after the 16th century.

Tomatoes come in a wide variety of species, from wild to cultivated, from all over the world. Currently, Italy...

Italy and the United States are the countries that consume the most tomatoes.

It was introduced to Taiwan in 1622 during the Dutch occupation for ornamental purposes, and was later introduced to Japan during the Japanese occupation.

In the nearly thirty years since the retrocession of Taiwan, improved varieties have been introduced by agricultural research stations, Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center, and other organizations.

Seedling companies are making great efforts to cultivate and improve new varieties to meet the needs of Taiwanese consumers and expand their reach.

Expanding into export markets is currently a highly valuable and nutritious industry worldwide.

Vegetable and fruit crops.

Tomatoes thrive in cool, sunny, and dry climates. They produce clusters of flowers.

The plant blooms from bottom to top, and the fruit changes from green to yellow, light red, bright red, and vibrant.

Beautiful and eye-catching. It can be used as a raw fruit or cooked vegetable.

And processed into various canned goods such as tomato sauce, tomato sauce, etc.

Products such as tomato paste and tomato juice.

Nutritional components of tomatoes

The nutrients in tomatoes are quite balanced; they can be described as a "comprehensive vitamin."

"Vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables." This includes carbohydrates, ash, protein, glucose, and fruit...

Sugars and sucrose, cellulose including hemicellulose and cellulase, acids including citric acid and malic acid.

Acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin E,

It contains nicotinic acid, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, carotene, and the anti-cancer substances selenium and lycopene.

Functions and effects of tomatoes

Tomatoes are considered neutral in nature, and their fruit is highly nutritious, primarily containing vitamins A and C.

It also contains vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, and vitamin B6.

It contains various vitamins such as B6 and vitamin E, and sugars including glucose and fructose, as well as fiber.

Vitamins include hemicellulose and fiber enzymes, and acids include citric acid and malic acid.

Acids, minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, and also proteins

Therefore, eating it raw can help prevent high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis.

Diabetes, anemia, liver and gastrointestinal diseases.

Tomatoes are usually eaten as fruit and have a cooling and heat-relieving effect.

If you have insufficient stomach acid secretion or poor appetite, drink ginger juice with tomatoes or tomatoes after meals.

The juice can aid digestion. Tomatoes are high in vitamin C and B vitamins, which are very helpful for people with angular cheilitis.

Tomatoes are also a powerful anti-cancer agent; their anti-cancer weapon is lycopene.

The substances that make tomatoes red, according to research by a German medical doctor...

Lycopene has been found to inhibit the ability of oxygen molecules to cause cells to transform into cancer cells, and is a beta-carotene...

It contains twice the amount of lycopene, and tomatoes are the main source of lycopene, so eat more ripe tomatoes.

Tomato juice may prevent cancer.

Tomatoes have a high water content, are low in calories, and are also rich in potassium.

Because it can be eaten raw, potassium ions are not lost during cooking, so people with high blood pressure do not need to worry about it.

Eating more of these foods can help balance the potassium and sodium ratio in the body, which will help control blood pressure.

Lycopene, a type of carotenoid found in tomatoes, has been identified by medical research.

It has a very strong ability to eliminate free radicals in the body, making it a powerful antioxidant.

It has a significant effect in preventing pancreatic cancer, and is also effective against rectal cancer, bladder cancer, and other cancers.

It also has a preventive and therapeutic effect on prostate cancer.

As a "comprehensive vitamin fruit and vegetable," tomatoes are an indispensable part of the daily diet for women who care about their appearance.

Tomatoes are a helpful food; they contain various vitamins that all have beneficial effects.

Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the human body.

Vitamin A is essential for protecting the health of the eyes, skin, hair, teeth, and internal organs.

Vitamin A is an essential substance; a deficiency can lead to a lack of it, which is necessary for skin protection.

Reduced mucus secretion leads to bacterial growth, which in turn causes acne.

Vitamins B1 and B2 are essential for maintaining the function of muscles, nerves, and the heart.

It can function normally and is an important element in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

In addition to being used as an antioxidant, vitamin C can also inhibit melanin production.

It helps prevent pigmentation and darkening of the skin, and is also effective for skin conditions and rough skin.

It helps boost immunity, aids in iron absorption, and promotes collagen formation.

Vitamin E can prevent aging and reproductive dysfunction, and can also improve vitamin E levels.

Activation of vitamin A prevents the loss of nutrients such as vitamin C, lycopene, and beta-carotene.

The oxidation of toxins can also reduce the accumulation of harmful cholesterol.

Tomatoes also contain many minerals, and iron is helpful in preventing anemia and strengthening the body.

Calcium is an essential nutrient for physical strength; it is also crucial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.

Magnesium, on the other hand, helps the nervous system function properly; a magnesium deficiency can lead to health problems.

It can make people neurotic; zinc is related to the health of reproductive and immune functions.

Selenium works synergistically with vitamin E to fight oxidation and prevent cancer.

The occurrence of.

The pectin and dietary fiber in tomatoes can create a feeling of fullness.

Reducing the intake of high-calorie foods can also absorb excess oil and prevent constipation.

Secretion removes harmful substances from the body and helps maintain a clean digestive system.

Tomato production season and production area

Tomatoes can be grown year-round, but they thrive in warm, dry climates, and temperatures below 15°C or above [missing information - likely a temperature range].

32℃ is not suitable for planting; the optimal temperature for fruit is 18℃~26℃.

The main production seasons in Taiwan are autumn/winter (approximately November to April of the following year) and spring/summer.

Seasonal crop (approximately May to September), with major production areas concentrated in central and southern Taiwan, where high summer temperatures are prevalent in the central mountains.

The main production areas for small-fruited fruit are Chiayi County, Kaohsiung County, and Tainan City, while processed fruit...

Tainan is the largest production area.

Tomato varieties

Tomatoes can be broadly divided into two varieties: those for raw consumption and those for processing. Raw consumption varieties...

The fruit has a thin skin, is juicy, and has a sweet and sour taste that is delicious.

(I) Spring and Summer Harvests: Large-fruited fruits are available from Taichung Asia Vegetable Market.

No. 5, Hualien Asian Vegetable No. 5. Small fruit available in all seasons.

Red, cherry, cherry tomato.

(II) Autumn and Winter Cultivation: Large-fruited persimmons, four-fruited, farmer's 301 variety (or a little bit)

Red), Momotaro (pink). Small fruits include Golden Phase, Trial No. 2, Linked Pearls, Saintess, Crimson Honey, and Double Happiness.

Secrets to Selecting Tomatoes

Tomatoes are inexpensive and of good quality, and the best time to eat them is in autumn and winter, as they ripen in the warm summer months.

The tomatoes have a shorter shelf life and tend to soften easily, resulting in a less sweet and delicious taste compared to those from autumn and winter. Furthermore, the fruit...

The top part tastes better than the shoulder part, with a sweetness level of approximately nine degrees Brix. Choose ripe, soft fruit without external damage and in good condition.

Whole tomatoes with a reddish-brown color have thicker and juicier flesh.

When selecting tomatoes, pay attention to their freshness; ripeness can be determined by bright color and gloss.

Observe the firmness, especially the "Yidianhong" variety, where the top of the fruit shows a slight pink tinge. When cut open...

When the fruit is ripe, the flesh inside is already pink, which is also the most popular fruit among general consumers.

The firmness of the fruit can be determined by touching it with your fingers; if it has been dropped or bruised, there will be localized deformation.

Soft or cracked tomatoes are prone to turning sour and smelly; high-quality tomatoes have plump fruit and firm flesh.

Firm and without hollow centers, evenly colored without cracks or blemishes, and moderately ripe.

High firmness indicates that the flesh is either soft or overcooked and prone to falling apart.