Growing Tomatoes: Part 1

Tomatoes are an important part of our diet, as well as being highly nutritious. Bill Kerr tells us more about this versatile fruit, and the varieties that are most suitable for growing at home.

- Bill Kerr

Tomatoes contain lycopene, a potent antioxidant that lowers the risk of chronic diseases. It is associated with the red colour of tomatoes, watermelons, strawberries and other fruit. Lycopene is not destroyed by cooking; on the contrary, cooking enhances its bio-availability.

Unfortunately, most commercial tomatoes in South Africa carry the mutant rin gene. This more than doubles the shelf life, but cuts the lycopene content by more than half and reduces the eating quality for the consumer. Many markets overseas refuse to purchase these varieties because of their poor taste.