Wow! In 2008 there were over 12 million pounds of tomatoes produced in the US. But did you know that in China they grew almost 3 times that amount?? A whopping 33 million pounds!!!

Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable grown by home gardeners. There are over 7500 named varieties of tomatoes in cultivation, and more being introduced every year.

Most cultivars produce red fruit; but there are a number of varieties of yellow, orange, pink, purple, green, black, white and even striped fruit available thanks to the preservation of Heirloom varieties. Each color has its own flavor characteristics. To learn more please see:

• Tomatoes By Fruit Color

The fruit of a tomato plant also varies in size and shape. Some are the size of a pea and some can weigh over two pounds. Most are round, but some are oval and others elongated like a fat sausage. The sizes and shapes are described here:

• Tomatoes By Fruit Type

Although there may be disagreement as to which variety is the best, tomato lovers agree that nothing matches the flavor of a tomato fresh off the vine!