Tomatoes, Sundried

Lycopersicon esculentum

Origin / Harvest:

• Turkey / July–August

Description & History

Inevitably the questions is asked whether the tomato is a fruit or a vegetable. Although botanically the tomato is a fruit, the U.S. Supreme Court officially designates it a vegetable because of how it is consumed and prepared. Originally native to Central and South America, the first tomato was cultivated in Mexico. In fact, the word tomato is derived from the Mexican Nahuatl Indian word tomatl.

The Spanish conquistadors who came to Mexico shortly after Christopher Columbus carried tomato seeds back to Europe. Although the tomato spread throughout Europe and into Italy by the 16th century, they were not yet popular due to the superstition that tomatoes were poisonous. However, this superstition was not completely inaccurate.

Because tomatoes are a member of the deadly nightshade family (which also includes bell peppers, eggplant, and potatoes), the leaves of the tomato plant, not the fruit, do contain toxic alkaloids. It wasn't until several centuries later that tomatoes become a popular food ingredient in Europe. Tomatoes were carried to North America by way of European settlers. Again, the same superstitions about eating tomatoes, especially when raw, held until the early 19th century. Tomatoes are now one of the top–selling vegetables in the U.S.

Our sundried tomatoes are grown and processed in Turkey. After harvesting, tomatoes are halved, salted, and dried naturally under the sun. Julienne cut and diced sundried tomatoes are also available.

Uses

Sundried tomatoes are a nutritious and savory addition to salads, soups, and sandwiches. Available in a several cuts, sundried tomatoes can be used in a variety of savory pastries, stuffings, vegetable mixes, as well as meat dishes.

Nutrition

The tomato is a low–calorie food packed with nutrition. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, carotenes (especially lycopene), biotin, and vitamin K. Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, niacin, folic acid, and dietary fiber. Because sundried tomatoes are prepared with salt, those wishing to lower their sodium intake should allow them to soak at least 1 hour prior to use.

Tomato Halves