Pomidor (Solanum lycopersicum L.) – Uprawa, zastosowanie i właściwości funkcjonalne

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an annual plant belonging to the Solanaceae family, native to South America. Today, it is one of the most popular vegetables grown worldwide. The tomato fruit is a large, juicy berry. The tomato is cultivated in most climatic zones in Europe. The aim of this study was to analyze the current state of knowledge regarding tomato cultivation technologies, as well as to examine the characteristics of the fruit, including its nutritional value, composition, and culinary uses. The study incorporates data based on statistics from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) concerning tomato production in Poland and Europe. It was shown that tomato cultivation depends on factors such as location, type of cultivation, variety, and appropriate conditions. The dominant technologies currently being developed include the use of coconut fiber mats in greenhouses. The tomato plant has a complex morphology that is adapted to the environmental conditions where it grows. It can be cultivated in open fields or under cover (in greenhouses and polytunnels). Achieving high yields and good quality fruits depends on many factors, including precise irrigation and liquid fertilization. This requires continuous and regular monitoring of cultivation conditions and careful plant care. The tomato fruit is largely composed of water and is also a source of valuable vitamins and minerals. Due to the presence of many biologically active compounds, it also has significant health-promoting properties.