Fruit VegetablesBeginner to Intermediate
Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Scientific Name
Solanum lycopersicum
Family
Solanaceae
Origin
Western South America
Type
Annual (perennial in tropics)
60-85 days
Culinary Uses
Flavor: Sweet-acidic, umami-rich
- Fresh in salads
- Sauces and passata
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Portuguese 'Tomate à Alentejana'
- Gazpacho and soups
Planting Calendar
Sow Indoors
FebruaryMarch
Sow Outdoors
Not recommended
Harvest
JulyAugustSeptemberOctober
Health Benefits
- Rich in lycopene, especially when cooked
- High in vitamin C and potassium
- May reduce risk of heart disease
- Contains antioxidants for skin health
- Good source of vitamin K for bone health