Hailing from western South America and Central America, tomatoes are a healthy, delicious and versatile fruit that is now grown throughout the world. Although usually red when mature, tomatoes come in a variety of colors including yellow, orange, green and purple, with a range of shapes and flavors.
Tomatoes are an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K and folate. Tomatoes are also the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which can help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. The fruit is also beneficial for skin health and can help protect against sunburn.
Although they are botanically a fruit, tomatoes generally are eaten and prepared like a vegetable. Sweet, tart and tangy, tomatoes are an important ingredient in the culinary world. They can be sliced raw into salads or salsas, stewed to create sauces, processed into ketchup or soup, and much more.
Tomatoes also contain high levels of vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production. For that reason, tomatoes are an integral ingredient in many skin-care products, including cleansers, masks, serums and creams.
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