At any celebration, various dips that enhance the flavor of dishes are always present.
Take vinegar and soy sauce, or even tomato paste, for example.
But did you know that tomatoes are actually fruits?
Though they’re often considered vegetables, in the world of botany, they’re classified as fruits.
Fruits are the parts of plants that contain seeds and usually develop from a plant’s flowers.
Since tomatoes have seeds, they fall under the fruit category.
But why are they commonly regarded as vegetables?
It all started in 1893 when a debate arose about whether tomatoes should be classified as fruits or vegetables.
This issue escalated to the United States Supreme Court, which ultimately declared tomatoes as vegetables.
At that time, taxes on vegetables were higher than on fruits, so classifying tomatoes as vegetables benefitted the economy.
Thus, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that tomatoes were legally vegetables.
In the Philippines, tomatoes are often used in dishes like sinigang, menudo, and kare-kare.
They’re also a staple in dips like soy sauce with tomatoes or salads.
Tomatoes are considered one of the most commonly cultivated fruits—or vegetables, for those still confused—in the country.
Regions like Benguet, Ifugao, Nueva Ecija, and Batangas are major producers of tomatoes.
Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, especially lycopene, tomatoes help prevent diseases such as cancer and heart ailments.
Lycopene gives tomatoes their red color and offers numerous health benefits.
Tomatoes can also help lower blood pressure and strengthen the immune system.
Additionally, tomatoes are used in beauty products like face masks due to their nutrients, which enhance skin health.
So, tomatoes are not just for food—they’re for health and beauty too!
**VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
