Tomato

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A tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum of the family Solanaceae) is a type of red fruit.[1] The fruit itself grows in clusters on the plant.

Thanks to the Columbian Exchange, tomatoes are commonly grown in most places of the world, due to their nature of producing more than the needs of the grower and the speed at which the fruit grow and ripen.

The plant uses photosynthesis for energy, and proper pruning directs energy to fruit production.

Common uses for tomatoes: eaten raw in salads, or cooked in pasta sauce or as tomato soup, or juice. Many varieties of tomatoes exist; large sized round, a smaller oblong roma tomato, and the small grape-sized cherry tomato.

## References[edit]

1. ↑ " The confusion about 'fruit' and 'vegetable' arises because of the differences in usage between scientists and cooks. Scientifically speaking, a tomato is definitely a fruit. True fruits are developed from the ovary in the base of the flower, and contain the seeds of the plant (though cultivated forms may be seedless)." [1]