🍅 #7 in the Nation

Tomatoes

Sun-ripened and bursting with flavor — the backbone of the Southern table.

⚖️ The US Supreme Court legally declared tomatoes a vegetable in 1893
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About This Crop

NC Tomatoes

North Carolina ranks seventh nationally in tomato production, growing approximately 96 million pounds each year. NC tomatoes are prized for their rich flavor — the product of warm days, cool nights, and fertile soil. Whether sliced fresh, cooked into a sauce, or canned for later, NC tomatoes are among the most flavorful you'll find. Western NC's mountain regions are particularly known for exceptional heirloom and specialty varieties.

Why It's Good For You

Health Benefits

Heart Health

Lycopene — the compound that gives tomatoes their red color — is a powerful antioxidant strongly linked to reduced heart disease risk.

Antioxidant Powerhouse

Tomatoes are one of the richest dietary sources of lycopene, which has been extensively studied for its potential role in reducing cancer risk.

Skin Protection

Lycopene and Vitamin C may help protect skin from UV damage and support a healthy, even complexion.

Blood Pressure Support

Potassium and Vitamin C work together to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Key Nutrients

Nutrition Highlights

Per typical serving — % values are approximate Daily Values.

Vitamin C
28% DV
Vitamin K
20% DV
Potassium
9% DV
Folate
7% DV
Lycopene
Very High

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Botanically it's a fruit. Legally, the US Supreme Court ruled in 1893 that tomatoes are vegetables for trade purposes. In the kitchen, always a vegetable. The honest answer: it depends entirely on who you ask.

Ideally, no. Cold temperatures break down the flavor compounds and can make the texture mealy. Store fresh tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Once cut, refrigeration is fine.

In one important way, yes — cooking significantly increases the bioavailability of lycopene. Your body absorbs it more efficiently from cooked tomatoes than raw. Some Vitamin C is lost during cooking, so both forms have their merits.

NC tomatoes peak from late June through September. Mountain tomatoes from western NC often peak a bit later due to cooler elevations. Visit a farmers market in midsummer for the finest tomatoes the state produces.

Keep Exploring

Discover More NC Vegetables

See All NC Crops