The tomato is often thought of as a vegetable, for culinary purposes, but is botanically a fruit due to its seed bearing structure growing from the flowering part of the plant. The confusion regarding the tomatoes classification dates back to the Tariff Act of 1883, which required a tax to be paid on imported vegetables, but not fruit. Due to the popularity of the tomato and it’s wide uses in many cuisines around the world the Supreme Court unanimously voted that the tomato be classified as a vegetable. Regardless of its classification, the tomato is among the nation’s most popular fruits today.
The tomato is packed with cancer fighting components and other vital vitamins and nutrients. Ranging in colors, shapes, and sizes, one can find a variety of a tomato in most culinary dishes, recipes, and drinks around the world.
There are multiple tomato varieties, categorized based on their color, shape and size. For example, the Roma tomato, also known as a plum or saladaette tomato, is a deep red when ripe and egg-shaped. This variety has few seeds and less juice than other varieties, making it the popular choice for canning, preparing sauces, and ketchup. On the other hand, a Beefsteak or round tomato is one of the largest tomatoes grown and can weigh over 2 lbs. This particular variety is the ideal choice for slicing and dicing to put on sandwiches, in salsa, or preparing a stuffed tomato recipe.
Today, one in three tomatoes consumed in the U.S. is imported. With Mexico leading the U.S. import market for tomatoes at 71 percent, you can venture to say that some of the tomatoes being consumed in the U.S. have come from the Ciruli Brothers’ farms. (Source: USCA Economic Research Service)
Ciruli Brothers offers a wide variety of tomatoes from January to May. The mild climate in the growing area allows us to produce plump, delicious Roma and Vine Ripened tomatoes. If we don’t grow it ourselves, we can also procure a wide variety of tomatoes from December to April from trusted suppliers. Among the varieties that we can procure include: 2 or 3 layer Vine Ripe, Roma, Cherry, Grape, and/or Cluster/Tomato on the Vine.
At Ciruli Brothers, we pride ourselves in offering the highest quality fresh produce at competitive prices. Our packing methods are second to none and ensure that when you receive your shipment, each delectable fruit will be ideal for resale in your market’s produce section.
We not only grow the highest quality produce, we want the consumer to learn how to use fresh produce in the preparation of their family meals. Our very own Executive Chef Noah Aguilar has created delicious recipes that utilize the use of our quality grown produce. These appetizing recipes can be found at http://www.iloveeggplant.com/recipes/entrees
For pricing and sales information, please contact our sales office at [email protected], or by telephone at 520-281-9696.
