I Love Tomatoes - 10 Reasons why I love Tomatoes - By: Terry Schierer

Is the tomato a fruit or is it a vegetable? No matter what classification you put it in it's a winner and a purveyor of great taste.

With a fascinating history, you'd never figure that the tomato is actually part of the nightshade family, where a few poisonous cousins exist. Interestingly, the lineage of the tomato is also connected to that of tobacco, eggplants, chili peppers, and the potato. Without tomatoes, some of the favorite edibles around the world would cease to survive. Tomatoes go nicely with just about any food, they are versatile, which is why I appreciate them so.

1) A Happy-Looking Vegetable

Tomatoes are colorful and not only come in the bright red variety, but also decorate dishes with orange, green, pink, purple, yellow, and even white selections. They come multi-colored while others bear some outlandish stripes. Tomatoes when added to a dish cause flavors to burst forth as well as helping change a sad countenance.

2) Important Salad Ingredient

A salad isn't complete without tomatoes, as there are many different selections to consider. A big plate piled high with sliced tomatoes is a welcome addition to any meal. It's also a snap to get ready. Add cubed cheese to this side dish and you have a filling, speedy lunch for on the go.

3) Hamburger Helper

Sprinkle a little salt on sliced tomatoes and you have a refreshing treat. A juicy hamburger with all the fixings isn't the same without a couple of slices, adding zip and matching perfectly with lettuce.

4) Please Pass the Ketchup!

Grilling on a hot summer Sunday afternoon just would not be the same if the tomato wasn't there to spice things up. Pass the ketchup and watch it be slathered on the burgers, hot dogs, french fries and other fun foods?

5) Good Stuff for the Body

Red foods are known to supply the body with lycopene – a heart-healthy, powerful antioxidant proven to fight against cancer and other ailments. When you want to provide the body with the healthiest boost, seek out crushed-, tomato sauce- or paste products.

6) Fried Green Tomatoes

Fannie Flagg brought attention to this tasty treat when she published "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café." The novel was later turned into a comical drama starring Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy, prompting curious thoughts regarding the actual taste of fried green tomatoes. FYI: They're delicious!

7) Easy to Grow

Sometimes the price of tomatoes is ridiculous, but with a little patience – you can generate your very own supply in a homemade garden. While the rabbits nibble at strawberries and corn becomes riddled with bird pecks – you'll always have a healthy crop of tomatoes to enjoy. This easy-to-grow vegetable becomes so plentiful; you'll have enough to share with family and friends.

8) Pizza, Pizza!

Without tomatoes, the magical blend of most of the four food groups wouldn't come together in a neat pie slathered with tomato sauce. The added spices of rosemary, oregano, and other Italian selections bring the flavor of tomatoes to life in this rather vital component of pizza making.

9) A Taste of Italy

Joining pizza, the thousands of ways to prepare pasta, including heaping mounds of lasagna and the childhood favorite of spaghetti and meatballs isn't the same if tomato sauce and tomatoes aren't available.

10) Mexican Delight

Nothing tempts the palate at a Mexican restaurant like the taste of fresh salsa with sturdy tomatoes that burst inside your mouth. Whether they are used to decorate a plate or used in the recipe tomatoes are a big part of Mexican cooking.

About the Author

A journey to The Health Food Guide will give you a listing of all the great health benefits of eating tomatoes as well as other good for you fruits and vegetables

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