Tomatoes are sexy, and rich in an anti-oxidant called lycopene, a compound principally found in tomatoes that protects cells from oxidants that have been linked to cancer.
At only 35 calories, one medium tomato contains 35% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of Vitamin C and 15% of the RDI of Vitamin A (beta carotene). Tomatoes are also cholesterol and sodium free.
The tomato is native to the Americas. It was initially cultivated by Aztecs and Incas as early as 700 A.D. Europeans first saw the tomato when the Conquistadors reached Mexico and Central America in the 16th century. Tomato seeds were taken back to Europe where they quickly found favor in the Mediterranean countries of Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Information collated from The California Tomato Commission. 30.01.2002