Tomato is one of the most popular vegetables, with many millions of consumers using it daily in their diet raw, cooked, in salads and more.

The tomato plant belongs to the family Solanaceae, with the scientific name Lycopersicum Esculentum and its origin is from the regions of Central and South America, while it is an annual plant.

It is a plant that can reach a height of up to 3 meters while its fruits, ie tomatoes are red, and are smooth and juicy with an intense aroma of freshness.

Tomatoes are also divided into two categories, semi-pruning tomatoes that need pruning and self-pruning tomatoes that do not need pruning.

Tomatoes are very much influenced by the climatic conditions of the area in which they are grown and mainly by the temperature.

Specifically, the tomato can withstand temperatures even just below 10-11o C and up to 38o C, while the soil temperature should not be below 14o C.

The tomato does not have special requirements regarding the soil, while in order to give the maximum it must preferably be in neutral and slightly acidic soil in order for the plant to better absorb the nutrients from the soil.

Also, the soil should have a high content of organic matter but also good drainage in order not to cause diseases in the plant.

It is important to add here that before the installation of the crop, the soil should be very well treated.

But tomato is also an extra beneficial product for our body,full in nutrients! More specifically:

Vitamin C:

Antioxidants are an essential part of a healthy diet. Tomato contains a lot of vitamin C, which strengthens our body's defenses. Two thirds of our daily need for this vitamin is already covered by two medium tomatoes.

Flavonoids

Folic acid:

Tomatoes also contain plenty of folic acid, which is essential for rebuilding and repairing the body's cells. People who take medication, drink a lot of alcohol or eat a lot of meat, as well as pregnant women and the elderly are good to eat a lot of tomatoes, due to their increased needs for folic acid.

B and E complex vitamins:

This miraculous plant also contains vitamin E which has a positive effect on fertility, vitamins from the B complex group for the proper functioning of the metabolism and for a strong nervous system, as well as chromium, which is valuable mainly for diabetics, because it helps with disorders in the utilization of sugar.

Vitamin A:

Fat-soluble vitamin A is involved in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair and sebum. It helps us to see in the dark and is essential for proper bone growth, teeth and reproduction.

Metals:

It also contains selenium, and it plays an important role for the immune system, potassium to support heart function, magnesium against the symptoms of stress and muscle cramps, as well as iron, copper and manganese .

Lycopene in tomato:

Lycopene belongs to the family of antioxidants and is found in tomatoes, strawberries, watermelons and other red fruits or vegetables. Antioxidants have proven to be very beneficial to the human body in recent years. It is important to note that lycopene is a fat-soluble ingredient, ie it is easier to absorb when consumed with fat. So, add a little olive oil, cheese or meat to your favorite tomato sauce and you will gain the maximum benefit of lycopene.