Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Tomatoes
Nutritional Content
- Lycopene: A powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.
- Vitamin C: Provides about 30 mg per 100g, boosting immunity.
- Vitamin K: Supports bone health and blood clotting.
- Potassium: Regulates blood pressure and maintains heart function.
- Dietary Fiber: Promotes intestinal health and aids digestion.
Health Benefits
- ✔ Enhances antioxidant effects, delaying aging.
- ✔ Supports heart health and lowers blood pressure.
- ✔ Improves skin condition and promotes collagen formation.
- ✔ Maintains intestinal function and prevents constipation.
- ✔ Benefits eye health with carotenoids that protect vision.
Consumption Suggestion: Recommended daily intake of 100–200g, can be eaten raw, in soups, or salads. Cooking enhances lycopene absorption, especially when paired with a little oil.
Tomato Growing Timeline
1
Select Varieties & Seedlings
- Variety Selection: Choose between standard tomatoes or cherry tomatoes based on usage.
- Seedling Time: Sow seeds indoors in early spring (February–March).
2
Soil Preparation
- Soil Requirements: Loamy soil rich in organic matter with good drainage.
- pH Level: Optimal range is 6.0–6.8.
- Fertilization: Apply compost and compound fertilizer as base fertilizer.
3
Transplanting Method
- Timing: Transplant when seedlings have about 6 leaves, after temperatures stabilize in late spring or early summer.
- Spacing: Approximately 50 cm×50 cm.
- Depth: Plant up to just below the first true leaves to encourage root growth.
4
Daily Management
- Watering: Keep soil moist but avoid waterlogging.
- Fertilization: Supplement with phosphorus and potassium during flowering and fruiting stages.
- Support: Tall varieties need staking to prevent lodging.
5
Pest and Disease Control
- Diseases: Early blight and late blight; ensure good ventilation and crop rotation.
- Pests: Aphids and whiteflies; use biological pesticides or soapy water for control.
6
Harvesting and Storage
- Harvesting: Pick when fruits turn red and are slightly firm.
- Storage: Store at room temperature for about a week; refrigeration can extend shelf life by 2–3 weeks.
Tip: Tomatoes are sun-loving plants and require at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Tomato Growing Tutorial Video
Watch the complete process from seedlings to harvest, and learn home cultivation techniques and common problem-solving.
Tomato Cuisine Selection
From simple salads and classic tomato soup to Italian risotto, explore various creative ways to enjoy tomatoes.
Tomato Recipe Video Tutorials
Learn to make tomato soup, Italian stew, homemade salads, and more through video tutorials.