Our tomatoes are sourced from Status Produce Ltd in Auckland who are regarded as a leader in the tomato growing industry within New Zealand.

Tomatoes are native to South America and were originally grown for their decorative purposes. The tomato is actually a fruit but is considered a vegetable because of its uses. They are all distantly related to deadly nightshade and for this reason were for a long time thought to be poisonous. This fear was gradually overcome and by the 19th century they were very popular.

What to look for

Choose smooth, firm and plump tomatoes with an even colour and no blemishes. Whilst there are exceptions, tomatoes tend to be sold in the North Island with calyx removed and in the South Island with the calyx on.

How to keep

Store at 10 - 12°C with a relative humidity of 90 - 98%. Lower temperatures can cause chilling damage. Tomatoes are ethylene producing which means they should be stored separately from ethylene sensitive products (see Maintaining Quality).

CONSUMER STORAGE: Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Tomatoes will ripen in these conditions. You can speed up ripening by putting them in a paper bag. Do not refrigerate unless they are over ripe. Refrigerated tomatoes do not have the full flavour of tomatoes stored at room temperature.

Nutritional value

Tomatoes are a very good source of vitamins C and good source of fibre, vitamins A and B group. They also provide some vitamin E, folic acid, potassium and other trace elements. Protein and dietary fibre are also present. Tomatoes contain many different antioxidants. One of the most well known is lycopene, which is one of the carotenoids present in tomatoes. The health benefits of lycopene are well documented as it is a particularly powerful antioxidant.

How to prepare

Sometimes recipes might suggest you remove the skin and even the seeds of the tomato. Unless this is for a very fine sauce. This generally isn't necessary as most New Zealanders enjoy the taste and texture of the complete tomato.

Ways to eat this vegetable

Tomatoes are very versatile and easily prepared.

Vegetable information kindly provided by www.vegetables.co.nz