At some point in time, you have probably been in the fruit versus vegetable debate over this extremely confusing food.

While scientists agree that Botanically,  as far as plant species are concerned, the tomato is indeed a fruit.  It was officially deemed a vegetable product in 1883 due to a great debate surrounding its status in the Tariff Act. Traditionally people ate tomatoes in a savory, not sweet fashion, which helped solidify its vegetable status throughout the years.

No matter which side of the debate you are on, tomatoes are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C!

 

Deb Willis, BA, TTS

 

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/story/is-a-tomato-a-fruit-or-a-vegetable#:~:text=The%20age%2Dold%20question%20actually,flower%20ovary%20and%20contains%20seeds.

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/even-supreme-court-maintains-tomato-vegetable-180963133/