Supreme Tomato Court

When you drive less distance for work I have noticed you have less opportunity for observing.  Maybe I should find at least one errand to run each day.  My morning walks do not offer me the range of adventure either.

However I am curious about this craving I am having this week for tomatoes.

Tomatoes are a member of the nightshade family.  Many nightshade plants are highly toxic and others are edible.  The plant can grow anywhere from 3 to 10 feet tall.  The stem is weak and they often grow across the ground spreading their vines over other plants.

The tomato is a fruit. But according to the American Supreme Court it is a vegetable.  The tomatoes went to court?  I cannot even imagine why this was necessary.  A Tariff Act in 1883 required a tax be paid on imported vegetables. After the testimony of 2 witnesses and 3 Dictionaries the court decided that based on the way it was used it would be classified as a vegetable. For the entire story see Nix v. Hedden.

The tomato is native to the Americas and was spread around the world shortly after Spain started colonizing the New World. It was being cultivated well before 500 BC.  They first appear in writing in 1544 in Italy where their uses were discussed in a book and they were called pomi d’oro or golden apple. In 1692 tomatoes show up in a cook book in Naples.

The plant was used mostly as an ornamental shrub. 

They come in many colors; red, yellow, orange, green and purple to name a few. They contain lycopene which is loaded antioxidant properties and is vital t bone health. Lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides are a benefit of tomatoes. They help prevent unwanted clumping together of platelet cells in the blood. Rich in Vitamins A, K, C, and B6 to name a few they also are source of manganese, fiber and folate.

I must agree that a crystal bowl of brightly colored tomatoes placed on a counter or table is lovely.

 There is also something very primitive about popping a tiny tomato into your mouth, chomping down on it, and as it ruptures feeling the juice and seeds flow over your tongue. Mmmmmm

Lady Tamara is off on a grand adventure today.

Happy  Tomato Hunting!