tomàquet

Tomàquet, or tomato, refers to the edible fruit of Solanum lycopersicum, a plant in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Botanically a berry, the tomato is widely grown as a vegetable in culinary contexts. Varieties range from small cherry tomatoes to large beefsteaks, and cultivars are grouped by growth habit (determinate or indeterminate) and fruit type or use.

Origin and domestication: The tomato is native to western South America and Mesoamerica. It was domesticated in Mexico and spread to Europe after the Columbian Exchange in the 16th century, where it gradually gained popularity and became a staple ingredient in many cuisines.

Growth and cultivation: Tomatoes prefer warm weather, long days, and frost-free conditions. They require full sun, well-drained soil with consistent moisture, and support for vining varieties. They are commonly grown as annual crops, started from seed or transplants. Cultivars include determinate (more compact) and indeterminate (continuous fruiting) types, as well as a wide range of fruit sizes, flavors, and colors.

Nutrition and uses: Tomatoes are a source of vitamin C, potassium, and the antioxidant lycopene. They are consumed fresh or processed into sauces, soups, pastes, and preserves. In many cuisines, tomatoes are central to dishes, sauces, salads, and condiments across Europe, the Americas, and other regions.

Names and production today: The Catalan word tomàquet refers to tomato, and the fruit is cultivated worldwide in diverse climates. Major producers include China, India, the United States, Turkey, and Egypt, reflecting its global agricultural and culinary importance.