Versatile and healthy, the tomato is a fruit that can be eaten raw, in sauces, in soups, in homemade jams, in juices, or even dried. There is a huge variety of recipes in which it can be used.
Different colors and shapes
It can have different shades, such as red, yellow, orange, green, or even purple depending on its variety. In our country we produce different types of tomatoes:
Plum tomato: It has an oval shape, few seeds, and a redder color. Ideal for snacks or for drying.
Cherry tomato: It is one of the sweetest varieties and widely used in salads and snacks.
Beefsteak tomato: It has few seeds, a very thin skin, and a meaty and flavorful pulp, excellent for eating raw and as a side dish.
Round tomato: This tomato is one of the most used in the industry to make sauces (such as ketchup), jams, and is one of the most commonly found in supermarkets, due to its durability.
Vine tomato: It is one of the most productive, profitable, and flavorful varieties.
The benefits of tomatoes
In addition to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power, the tomato has numerous benefits for the body:
- Protects the heart: It helps lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and helps reduce the risk of suffering a stroke.
- It is an ally of bone health: It protects bones and teeth and helps prevent diseases such as osteoporosis and osteopenia.
- Protects the skin from sunburn.
- Helps prevent some types of cancer: As it is rich in vitamins, it is scientifically proven to help prevent prostate, colorectal, stomach, and breast cancer.
- Reduces the risk of developing kidney stones: Rich in antioxidants and with large amounts of water present, the tomato helps prevent kidney stones.
- Friend of the eyes and hair: with nutrients that our body transforms into vitamin A, the tomato promotes better eye, skin, and hair health.
- Repairs damage caused by tobacco: A study concluded that vegetables and fruits, particularly tomatoes, can help reduce the decline in lung function of a former smoker over a 10-year period.
Did you know that our country is one of the largest tomato producers worldwide and one of the largest exporters? Portugal exports about 77% of its production.
