Magazine F: Tomato

Originating from South America, tomatoes are one of the most produced vegetables in the world along with onions, cucumbers, and cabbages. There are over 25,000 species of tomatoes distributed throughout the globe, and they can be used in as many dishes in varied ways as there are varieties. With their unique savory flavor, tomatoes created distinctive food cultures across many regions, particularly in Spain and Italy. They also serve as the origin, essence, and symbol of Mediterranean cooking as they play a critical role in pizza, pasta, and gazpacho. On the other hand, they are widely used in mass-produced processed foods like ketchup and have become an important popular food with a potential to lead food culture into the future.