Well, this wraps up this series – for now. There is always something new to learn in the garden and I am not “the world’s foremost authority on everything”.

I would certainly ask that you pass along any additional tips about growing tomatoes that you would care to add. In particular, the Folklore / History section could certainly use filling out, but every section could benefit from your keen eye and experience.

Medical value:

A number of studies suggest that lycopene helps prevent several types of cancer, including prostrate cancer, and that it promotes good health in a number of other ways as well. At least one study, however, indicates that it’s the tomato itself, not the lycopene in isolation, that is so helpful and so healthful. (See Dietary Supplement May Not Lower Risk) In other words, keep eating those tomatoes. (http://www.tomatogardeningguru.com/) Tomatoes have been anecdotally implicated with rheumatoid arthritis attacks.

Seed collection and storage:

Wait until fruit is soft ripe. Slice fruit through equator and scoop pulp out. Place in jar with a small amount of water, shake well and allow to sit for 3-4 days. This will ferment the pulp away from the seeds. This might get kinda ‘yuck’, so don’t let it sit too long. Not only will it smell to high stink-o-roonie, the vitality of the seed can be forfeit. Strain and place on paper towel to dry. When fully dry, place in glass jar or paper envelope. Properly prepared seeds will maintain a high level of fertility for up to 5 years. Improperly prepared ones won’t have any fertility to start with.

Folklore / History:

Tomatoes are a member of the nightshade family and as such were shunned in Europe as food until fairly recently. Every year there is a tomato fight in Spain in which revelers throw, literally, tons of tomatoes at each other.

F.Y.I.

U.S. consumption of fresh tomatoes grew 71% from 15.4 pounds per person in 1991 to 20.7 pounds per person in 2006. U.S. total domestic utilization increased over this period from 3.87 billion pounds in 1991 to 5.79 billion pounds in 2006, an increase of 1.91 billion pounds. Imports claimed 56% of that growth by increasing 1.08 billion pounds. http://www.growingproduce.com/floridagrower

Next: Return me to the “How to grow” table