As my tomato plants flourish and the fruit ripens on the vines I thought a tomato seed packet would be appropriate today.
Tomatoes originated in South America and were spread around the world during the Spanish colonization of the Americas, now grown worldwide and in greenhouses in cooler climates. Christopher Columbus may have been the first to bring the tomato back to Europe. The earliest written reference to the tomato was in 1544 in European literature. While the tomato is botanically a fruit it is widely considered a vegetable. The tomato is a member of the nightshade family and there are more than 7500 varieties.
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant, and is considered a heart healthy food. Lycopene has also been shown to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Tomatoes also contain high levels of vitamins A and C. Tomato consumption has also been associated with a decreased risk of breast, head and neck cancers.
Like many other nightshade plants the leaves and stems of the tomato plant are toxic. The fruit and plant parts are especially toxic to dogs if they ingest large quantities.
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Enjoy!
