Common Myths About Tomatoes
When it comes to Tomatoes, there are a lot of myths floating around that people believe are facts. So, it’s time to set the record straight and debunk some of the most common Tomato myths we’ve encountered!
Here are some of the most common myths we often hear about Tomatoes:
- Tomatoes should be refrigerated
- Tomatoes are considered vegetables
- All Tomatoes are red
- Only red Tomatoes contain lycopene
Let’s debunk these Tomato myths and get you the fresh facts you want to know!
Storing Tomatoes
Myth: Tomatoes belong in the refrigerator.
While it is best to put many fruits and veggies in the fridge, the kitchen counter is actually the best spot for your Tomatoes to be stored! Storing your Tomatoes on the counter will allow them to continue ripening and further developing their flavor.
The only time you should put your Tomatoes in the fridge is when they have fully ripened and you want to extend their shelf life. If you place Tomatoes in the fridge before they have fully ripened, they will develop a less vibrant flavor and a dry, mealy texture.
Discover more about how to store Tomatoes (as well as Peppers and Cucumbers) in our Veggie Storage Guide!
Tomatoes — Fruits or Veggies?
Myth: Tomatoes are a vegetable.
This is one of the most controversial topics about Tomatoes: are they fruits or vegetables? While many people believe Tomatoes belong to the veggie family, they are technically considered fruits!
When people think of fruits, they almost always think of apples, oranges, pears, or peaches. This is because a common misconception is that fruits only grow on trees, or that fruits can be eaten as desserts. But a fruit is any produce item that has seeds, so since Tomatoes have seeds, they are technically fruits.
Tomato Colors
Myth: Tomatoes are red.
When you think of a Tomato, red is the most common color that comes to mind. But there are thousands of Tomato varieties being grown around the world, and those different varieties come in many unique shapes, sizes, and colors.
At Nature Fresh Farms, we grow and market red, orange, yellow, brown, and green Tomato varieties, but it’s not unheard of to find purple, pink, burgundy, or multi-color striped Tomato varieties in a garden! From Orange Cherry Tomatoes-on-the-Vine, to Yellow Tomberry® Tomatoes, to Green Beefsteak Tomatoes, our Tomato lineup’s color palette is nothing short of vibrant and diverse.
Take a look at our full list of Tomato products here!
Tomato Nutrition
Myth: Only red Tomatoes contain lycopene.
Lycopene is a well-known antioxidant commonly found in red fruits and vegetables like Tomatoes, watermelons, pink grapefruits, and papayas. Incorporating lycopene-rich foods, along with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in general, into our diets as often as possible may help to reduce our risk of diseases and slow the aging process.
Tomatoes are a unique superfood because every Tomato variety, no matter the color, contains lycopene! Although the amount of lycopene may vary slightly from one variety to the next or may be more efficiently absorbed from one variety compared to another, all Tomatoes will provide people with the health benefits of this powerful antioxidant.
Learn more about the incredible health benefits of lycopene here!
More Tomato Resources
We have shed light on some of today’s most common Tomato myths, but if you’re interested in learning even more about this nutritious superfood, check out these extra resources:
6 Unique Ways to Use Up Extra Tomatoes
