Tomato plants are suited for growing in a wide range of climates. It can be grown in greenhouses throughout the year. Tomato plants are suitable for hydroponic growing also. Tomato is the one of the most popular and largest cultivated vegetables with variations in size, colour and shape. Size varies from small (tiny tomatoes) to large (plum tomatoes) while shape varies from round, oblong and globe. Tomatoes are available in many colours also such as green, pink, red, yellow, and orange. Tomatoes are also one of the largest canned vegetables. Tomatoes are also known for its highest nutritional value. Tomato is counted among the top 50 nutrient-dense, plant-based foods.

A number of processed foods are prepared from tomatoes. Major among the tomato-based processed foods are such as tomato juice, tomato puree and paste, tomato sauce/ketchup, tomato chutney, tomato cocktail, tomato soup, canned tomatoes, tomato powder, and tomato pickles.

Tomato Juice: Plant-ripened, red, fleshy fruits are selected for juice preparation. Cleaned and dried tomatoes are then crushed by using suitable equipment. A pulper or a spiral press is normally used for juice extraction. Juice is sieved by using a strainer to remove seeds and other particles. A good quality juice should be of deep red colour and must contain about 0.4 percent acid; it should be uniform in appearance and should have high nutritive value.

Tomato Puree and Paste: Tomato puree is the concentrated, tomato fruit pulp without skin or seeds and without added salt, and containing not less than 9% of salt-free tomato solids. Tomato fruit pulp is extracted from ripe tomatoes by using a pulper. Tomato pulp is then concentrated by cooking in an open cooker or in a vacuum pan.

Tomato Sauce/Ketchup: Ripe tomatoes are cleaned and crushed to extract juice. Juice is then sieved to remove all seeds and other materials to get a clear juice. Then, spices, salt, sugar and vinegar are added to the juice, with or without onion and garlic depending upon the consumer preferences. Good quality, tomato sauce should contain not less than 12% tomato solids and 25% TSS (total soluble solids).

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