Tomato, Shelf Life : 3-5 Days

Tomato is one of the most important protective food crops of India. It is grown in 0.458 M ha area with 7.277 M mt production and 15.9 mt/ha productivity. The major tomato producing states are Bihar, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. In West Bengal, tomato is grown over an area of 43,600 ha with the production 0.588 M mt and productivity of 13.6 mt/ha. Tomato is rich source of vitamins A, C, potassium, minerals and fibers. Tomatoes are used in the preparation of soup, salad, pickles, ketchup, puree, sauces and also consumed as a vegetable in many other ways.

India is the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of chilies in the world. India also has the largest area under chilies in the world. Chilies are the most common spice cultivated in India. It is estimated that India produced 1060345 tons of dry chili from an area of 8, 84,183 hectares in 2003-04.

Chilies are valued principally for their high pungency and color. Almost all the states of India produce the crop. The Indian Chilli growing states are Andhra Pradesh (46%), Karnataka (15%), Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Indian Chilli can be grown during the entire year at one or the other partof the country. However, the major arrival season extends from February to April.

Health Benefits From Tomatoes:

•  Tomatoes are one of the lowest-calorie fruits.

•  Tomatoes also contain high amounts of vitamin A, C and even Vitamin K.

•  Tomatoes can reduce the amount of damage done to your body by smoking or inhaling second hand smoke.

•  Tomatoes contain high amounts of lycopene, an antioxidant that has repeatedly shown scientists its ability to ward off cancers, fight aging, and stave off other degenerative diseases.