Boost brain power, as well as your immune system, with these fascinating facts about tomatoes

The humble tomato — the botanical fruit we generally treat like a vegetable.

They come in various hues of red, yellow, orange, green and purple, in many different shapes, and boasting varying flavours.

Known in the plant world as Solanum lycopersicum, the tomato is a fruit from the nightshade family native to South America.

More versatile than many other fruits, tomatoes can be canned, dried, frozen, pickled, pureed, or made into paste.

They can be eaten raw, baked, broiled, fried, and stewed; or used as the main component in relishes, sauces, soups and as garnish for all types of dishes.

Good for you

Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.

They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.

What's the difference?

Take a closer look and you'll soon realise that there are thousands of different tomato varieties to pick from.

This quick and easy guide will help you pick the perfect tomato for your next dish.

Cherry: Small in size these tomatoes have a sweet, candy-like, juice, crispy bite. They come in red, orange, yellow, and purple, and are a staple in the kitchen, giving a splash of colour and flavour to any meal. They make great snacks and work well in salads.

Plum: These are rich in flavour, tangy, and have a garden-fresh taste, making them great in a tasty stew, sauce, or tomato paste. Try roasting Roma tomatoes in the oven and using them to make a spicy tomato pesto or bruschetta topping.

Sun dried tomatoes: The flavour is intensely tomatoey and sweet because its sugars are concentrated from a long, slow drying period. Yet they retain their nutrients. They pair well in a huge variety of dishes because of their distinctive taste and texture. Use them in soups, salads, pasta, pizza and sandwiches, as well as main courses with fish and meat.

Tinned are still good for you

Fruit and vegetables in packed into tins are not necessarily inferior to fresh foods, and certainly not in the case of tomatoes.

Research shows that lycopene, a potent prostate-health-friendly anti-oxidant, is better absorbed by the body when tomatoes are processed.

The key is to go for a tin with a high tomato content, so the thicker the better.

The bottom line

Try and make sure to include plenty of both raw and canned tomatoes as part of a healthy diet.