Tomate

Perhaps you have wondered why tomatoes are called fruit when we eat them as a vegetable. There is no mystery—like the other fruits in this section, they are simply the fruit of the plant.

In France, England, and this country, tomatoes were often referred to as “apples of love” (or pommes d’amour); in Italy, as “apples of gold” (or pomodori); and in Germany, as “apples of paradise” (or Paradiesapfel).

To peel a fresh, ripe tomato it is not necessary to heat water to a boil. Simply put the tomato in the sink and let very hot tap water run over it. Count to 20 and then peel. If, however, you do use boiling water, count only to about 12 and then peel. Tomatoes are not normally peeled when they are cooked and served whole. They need the skin to hold them in shape.