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Extension > Farm to School > Minnesota Toolkit for School Foodservice > Tomatoes

Tomatoes

Whether big or small, tomatoes are nutritious!

  • Tomatoes were originally cultivated by the Aztecs of central Mexico and the Incas from the lower Andes on the west coast of Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia as early as 700 AD
  • Tomatoes are the richest natural source of lycopene, a carotenoid that is also found in pink grapefruit and watermelon, and which seems to reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men.
  • A member of the nightshade family, tomatoes are close cousins with chili peppers, potatoes, and eggplant.

More Information

Using tomatoes — Get recipes, menu examples, and nutrition facts for tomatoes.

Sourcing tomatoes — Find farmers and buying tips for tomatoes.

Promoting tomatoes — Meet all your tomatoes promotion needs with announcements, newsletters, fun facts, posters, photos, and curriculum enrichment activities.

 

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