Tomatoes 101

Reviewed By:
Susan Janoff, MS RD LD/N

Is a tomato a fruit or vegetable? This is a tricky question, one that actually went all the way to the Supreme Court. 

In 1893, the question of whether a tomato was a fruit or a vegetable became a central issue in the case of Nix v. Hedden, a complex lawsuit involving tariffs. The court ruled that for the matter at hand, tomatoes were indeed a vegetable and not a fruit.

According to botanists, fruit have seeds. And because tomatoes have seeds, they classify them as fruit. What about cucumbers, squash, green beans and walnuts? They all have seeds, so do botanists consider them fruit? The answer is yes.

Most people consider tomatoes, as well as all the items listed above, to be vegetables -- with the exception of walnuts, of course. Many believe that tomatoes (and other plant foods with seeds) were labeled vegetables because they lack the sweetness normally associated with fruit. In addition, tomatoes are typically used as a vegetable in recipes and meals.

Dietitians and nutritionists classify tomatoes as vegetables, but for different reasons. From a nutrition standpoint, vegetables have less than half the calories per serving than fruit. This is one reason why tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and green beans fall into this category. Walnuts, on the other hand, are made up of 90 percent fat and less than 1 percent protein, which is why they are classified by dietetic professionals as a polyunsaturated fat, and not a fruit.

So the answer to the question really depends on who you ask.

What nutritional value do tomatoes provide?

Tomatoes are an excellent source of potassium and vitamins A and C. You can get 2 grams of fiber from eating one tomato. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which provides the red color.

Lycopene is an antioxidant that helps prevent damage to cells inside the body. Researchers are studying lycopene to see if it is associated with a lowered risk of cancer and heart disease.

Incorporating tomatoes and tomato products such as pizza sauce, salsa and tomato juice into your diet is easy and will help you obtain the nutrients your body needs. You may add a sliced tomato to your sandwich or salad, or add diced tomato to your favorite pasta dish.

As a matter of fact, tomatoes or tomato products that have been heated (either during cooking or processing) allow lycopene to be more easily absorbed into the body. So, go ahead, eat a tomato today -- and enjoy the health benefits tomorrow!

How do I buy and store tomatoes?

Look for tomatoes that are firm, plump, with a smooth skin and good color, and free of bruises or soft spots. Healthy tomatoes should have a slightly sweet aroma.

Store tomatoes at room temperature and do not refrigerate until they are fully ripened. Once ripened, tomatoes can be kept in the refrigerator for just a few days.

Placing tomatoes in a brown bag along with a banana or apple will make tomatoes ripen more quickly.