I. INTRODUCTION Tomato or Solanum lycopersicum is native to South America.

A genetic evidence shows the ancestor of tomatoes were herbaceous green plants with small green vegetable and a center of diversity in the highlands of Peru. A tomato is the ovary of a flowering plant, therefore it is a fruit, or more specifically, a berry. However, since its not as sweet as other fruits and is most often served in salads or as a main dish most people refer to it as a vegetable. The first domesticated tomato may have been a little yellow fruit, similar in size to a cherry tomato, grown by the Aztecs of Central Mexico. Tomato was transported to Mexico, where it was grown and consumed by Mesoamerican civilizations.The word "tomato" comes from the Nahuatl word tomatl, literally "the swelling fruit". (1) In 1519, Cortez discovered tomatoes growing in Montezuma's gardens and brought seeds back to Europe where they were planted as ornamental curiosities, but not eaten. Spanish explorer Cortez may have been the first to transfer the small yellow tomato to Europe after he captured the Aztec city of Tenochttlan, now the Mexico City, in 1521. The French referred to the tomato as pommes d'amour, or love apples, as they thought them to have stimulating aphrodisiacal properties. Tomato plants vary in size from small cherry tomatoes to elongated plum tomatoes. (2) Tomatoes are high in Vitamin A and C and are naturally low in calories. They are also an excellent source of lycopene, which is the pigment that makes tomatoes red and has been linked to the prevention of many types of cancer. Lycopene is an antioxidant which fights free radicals that can interfere with normal cell growth and activity. These free radicals are what can potentially lead to cancer, heart disease and premature aging. The best sources of lycopene are found in processed tomato products, such as ketchup and tomato products. Their consumption is believed to benefit the heart, among other organs. Reduced risk of heart disease is an area of health benefits in which tomatoes truly excel. There are two basic lines of research that have repeatedly linked tomatoes to heart health. The first line of research involves antioxidant support, and the second line of research involves regulation of fats in the bloodstream. (3) The production or cultivation of tomatoes in Cavite are somewhat simple for tomatoes like or they favour warm temperature. Though some Cavitenos find it very tiring, some do plant them for income or for their own consumption. Tomatoes can be found in all markets in Cavite.

II. METHODOLOGY 1.) Fresh Eating Fresh tomato can be eaten on its own. To prepare, simply cut the fruit into halves then you can eat it raw or sometimes, dipped in salt.

2.) Tomato Ketchup You can also make it as a condiment. By simple squeezing the tomato and boiling it until it turns in to slimy looking with color dark red. Vary by recipe, but commonly include onions, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, garlic, and celery. You may also add some flavours like the banana and some chilis.

3.) Tomato Juice

Tomato juice is often drunk by older or middle aged people for it is very healthy and tasty. In making a tomato juice, cut it into smaller size then let it simmer for 30 minutes. Once the tomato is tender, press it through sieve and collect juice. Boil juice after several minutes, then store and cool.

Web based References: (1) About.com. Tomato History - The history of tomatoes as food. (2006) http://homecooking.about.com/od/foodhistory/a/tomatohistory.htm (2) Wikipedia.org. Tomato. (2010) http://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Tomato (3) The Worlds Healthiest Foods. Tomatoes. (2011) http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=44

INGRID EWAN KO NA KUNG ANONG GAGAWIN SA MGA SITES NA NATIRA.. http://www.cidpusa.org/tomato.htm http://frugalliving.about.com/od/makeyourowningredients/r/Tomato_Juice.htm