In the United States, this fear about the tomato persisted until the early 19 th century until the Creoles in New Orleans began using tomatoes in their soups and stews. Now the tomato is the 3 rd most popular vegetable in the United States. In l893, the Supreme Court of the United State officially ruled that the tomato is a vegetable. Because there are different trade laws governing fruits and vegetables so the debate had to be settled in order to determine how to regulate the sale of tomatoes. The fruit or vegetable determination is made where the food item is used in the meal.
Tomatoes are a rich source of phytochemicals.
Researchers believe pytochemicals may be effective in reducing cancer risk, heart disease and other chronic diseases. A single tomato can contain over 100 phytochemicals. Tomatoes have carotenoids, a phytochemical, which produce the pigment color in fruits and vegetables. Of the 50 or more carotenoids, each offers different nutritional benefits. Research has shown that lycoprene, a carotenoid, that produces the red color in tomatoes, may reduce the risk of developing prostate, colon, rectal and stomach cancers.