Vegetable of the Month - Cherry Tomato
/DID YOU KNOW...? FUN FACTS!
Farm Interns, Lily, Yoni, and Sam are enthusiastic about this summer's tomato harvest!
- Cherry tomatoes are part of the nightshade family which includes, you may remember, potatoes, eggplants, and (our July Vegetable of the Month) Bell Peppers!
- Tomatoes originated in lower Andes on the west coast of Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.
- Although, technically not a vegetable, tomatoes were labeled as such by the U.S. government in the late 1800s so they could be taxed under custom regulations.
- According to the USDA, every American eats an average of about 22 to 24 pounds of tomatoes per year.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Cherry tomatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and Potassium, which helps control heart rate and blood pressure.
- Cherry tomatoes also contain many compounds shown to fight various types of cancer. These include, Zea-xanthin, Lycopene, and Beta-carotene.
RECIPES
Pasta with Roasted Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes