Tomatoes
Technically a fruit, but often treated like a vegetable, tomatoes are beloved their flavor, versatility in the kitchen, and nutritional value.
What are Tomatoes?
Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are warm-season plants in the nightshade family, cousins to potatoes, eggplant, and peppers. They grow on vining plants that require support, heat, and steady moisture to thrive. Each tomato begins as a small yellow flower, which self-pollinates before forming fruit. Inside, you’ll find a juicy interior with tiny edible seeds and thin skin that pops slightly when bitten—especially in cherry varieties.
Cherry tomatoes, in particular, are bred for sweetness and size. They ripen quickly and evenly, making them ideal for fresh eating. Their high sugar content and balanced acidity give them a bright, punchy flavor and juicy texture.
While we grow tomatoes year-round in our controlled indoor system, they’re a seasonal crop in Virginia—typically thriving outdoors from late spring through early fall. Tomatoes were first domesticated in Mexico and Central America, and they’ve been cultivated for thousands of years. Spanish colonists brought them to Europe in the 1500s, where they were initially grown as ornamental plants before becoming a global culinary staple.
How to Prepare Tomatoes
Tomatoes are incredibly versatile—sweet, savory, raw, or cooked. Here are five easy ways to enjoy them:
Raw in Salads: Slice, chop, or halve them for salads—whether it’s a simple tomato-basil mix or a grain bowl topper.
Roasted or Grilled: Cooking tomatoes concentrates their sweetness. Roast them with olive oil and garlic or char them on the grill for smoky flavor.
Sauced: Simmer chopped tomatoes into pasta sauce, shakshuka, or soups for rich, comforting meals.
Sandwiched: Layer them onto toast, sandwiches, or burgers—especially when they’re juicy and in peak condition.
Preserved: Make salsa, chutney, or tomato jam to keep the harvest going long after it’s picked.
Try this Panzanella salad recipe—it’s a great way to use tomatoes, stale bread, and whatever herbs or greens you have in the fridge.
To store: keep tomatoes at room temperature until fully ripe. Refrigeration can dull flavor, so let them come back to room temp before eating if chilled.
Tomato Health Benefits
Tomatoes are not just delicious; they're also packed with nutrients that offer various health benefits:
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Tomatoes are high in vitamins C, K, and several B vitamins. They also contain significant amounts of potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, and copper.
Antioxidant Properties: They are rich in antioxidants, including lycopene, which is linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Support Digestive Health: Being high in fiber and water content, tomatoes can help prevent constipation and promote healthy digestion.
Good for Skin Health: The lycopene in tomatoes is believed to protect the skin against UV rays, and their high water content can help keep the skin hydrated.
Remember, while tomatoes offer these health benefits, they should be part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
And there you have it - everything you need to know about tomatoes!
Tomato Facts
Tomatoes were once called "love apples" in France and thought to be aphrodisiacs.
Virginia farmers typically harvest tomatoes from June through September.
Cherry tomatoes are less prone to splitting and disease than larger varieties, which makes them great for consistent, reliable harvests.
The world’s heaviest tomato weighed over 10 pounds!
Area 2 Farms for Locals
Your food should be equally accessible and nutritious. Which is where we come in. At Area 2 Farms, we grow fresh organic produce within 10 miles of you.
