謎樣的番茄
番茄究竟是蔬菜還是水果？根據台灣食品營養成分資料庫分類，「大番茄」是蔬菜，「小番茄」是水果。因為大蕃茄的熱量較低，所以被歸在蔬菜類；小蕃茄普遍熱量較高較甜，被歸於水果類。有人開玩笑說，在水果攤買的番茄算水果，在蔬菜攤買的番茄算蔬菜。其實在1893年，美國法院裁決番茄為蔬菜，原因是在19世紀，美國為了保護國內農民，規定外來的番茄進口要繳稅，當時蔬菜收的關稅比水果高，所以法院把番茄判為蔬菜，用以提高關稅。
這一番政治操作，讓我腦中突然出現一個畫面：法官大人坐在庭上宣番茄出場，大小番茄魚貫進入法庭，有紅、黃、橘、綠、黑各色番茄，等候聆聽宣判，番茄們七嘴八舌、比手畫腳地討論自己究竟是蔬菜還是水果，激動到連蒂頭都花枝亂顫，法官於是敲擊法槌要求肅靜，這畫面是不是很有趣？
從營養成分來看，番茄的維生素B和C一加熱就掛掉，這時它就得扮演水果的角色。但若想攝取茄紅素，番茄又得回到廚房當蔬菜，因為加熱和油混合才有利於吸收。從這個角度來看，番茄真是變身達人，隨時都能上演一出「我是水果，我也是蔬菜」的雙面人生。
您知道嗎？有些番茄其實是“葷”的，因為番茄是容易遭受寒害的作物，美國一家生技公司，將魚類體內製造防凍蛋白質的基因轉殖到蕃茄內，以達抗凍目的。想來這無辜的番茄，不僅讓法官頭痛，還讓素食者崩潰！
說到黑色番茄，看起來就像黑色的李子，番茄真的很牛，不僅能變身，還擅長偽裝，而且黑番茄並不是天生的「黑肉底」，而是曬太陽曬出來的。
除了番茄的身世充滿了謎樣色彩之外，他的名稱也是很多樣的，有聖女番茄、玉女番茄、牛番茄、牛排番茄、羅馬番茄、惡魔果實、狼桃等等，還有西紅柿也是番茄而不是柿子喔！
番茄曾經是人人懼怕的水果，古時候，由於番茄枝葉分泌的汁水味道非常難聞，以至於人們懷疑他有毒。無辜的番茄還曾經莫名其妙被捲入一場冤獄，因為當時歐洲貴族喜歡用白鑞（錫鉛合金）餐具，而番茄酸度較高，會與餐具發生化學反應，導致鉛中毒。鉛中毒的一個典型表現就是頭昏乏力，皮膚蒼白，再加上當時歐洲奉行放血治療，本來就病得發虛，還因此動不動就因為失血過多死掉，看上去就像是吃完番茄後的症狀，所以倒楣的番茄就成了惡魔的果實。如今憑藉一己之力及美艷的外貌，番茄的身世由黑翻紅，逆襲成為今日的天選之果，顏色卻因品種改良由紅翻黑，真是精采多變的一生，恍若由夜市人生搖身成為高富帥，人生大翻盤！
關於吃了番茄竟然還能好好活著的逆轉故事，有據可查的版本很多。目前流傳最廣的說法是一位生活在新澤西州的詹森上校，有一天突然廣而告之，說自己要整個狠活，挑戰吃狼桃。於是眾人去圍觀，詹森上校就在眾目睽睽之下，吃掉了一筐新摘的番茄且安然無恙，至此之後食用番茄的習慣也就流傳了起來。另一個說法則差不多是同一時期，一位法國畫家在為番茄寫生時，看到番茄色澤動人，惹人喜愛，心想這麼美的東西到底是什麼味道呢？於是他冒著生命危險吃了一顆狼桃，隨後安靜的躺在床上等待死神降臨，結果竟然沒死，而且這位畫家意外發現，這個傳說中的狼桃味道酸甜，非常可口。不管是哪種說法，終於讓番茄摘掉了有毒的帽子，從花園移到了菜園，並擺上了餐桌，豐富了我們的眼跟胃。
番茄不僅能吃還能玩喔！西班牙著名的番茄大戰狂歡節，舉目所及都是一片紅色，大家瘋狂的互丟番茄。我覺得世界大戰也別打了，讓各國元首戴著護目鏡，互相丟丟番茄得了，又紓壓又不會有太大傷害，還能吃到番茄～～醬，而且觀眾應該會看得很開心，哈哈哈！
番茄彷彿是被外星人擄走又送回地球的獨特生物，如果番茄有社交媒體賬號，一定能衝高流量，他可以加糖、用酸梅醃製、或沾薑汁醬油食用，又有萬千樣貌跟故事支撐，妥妥的網紅體質。我希望能活得像番茄一樣，紅紅火火，豐富多變，且有益健康。下次在餐桌上看到番茄時，希望能讓你會心一笑，細細品嚐。
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The Enigmatic Tomato
Is a tomato a vegetable or a fruit? According to the Taiwan Nutritional Composition Database, "big tomatoes" are classified as vegetables, while "small tomatoes" are considered fruits. This distinction arises from their nutritional content: big tomatoes are low in calories, while small tomatoes are sweeter and more caloric. Some people humorously argue that tomatoes sold at fruit stands are fruits, while those at vegetable stands are vegetables.
Interestingly, a U.S. court ruled in 1893 that tomatoes were vegetables in order to impose a higher tariff on imported tomatoes, which were taxed at a higher rate than fruits, as part of an effort to protect domestic farmers.
This legal twist paints a vivid image: the judge sitting in the courtroom, while an array of tomatoes—red, yellow, orange, green, and even black—awaits their fate. Picture them chatting animatedly, discussing whether they are fruits or vegetables, their excitement causing them to sway on their toes. When the judge bangs the gavel for silence, one can't help but find it amusing!
From a nutritional standpoint, heating tomatoes destroys vitamins B and C, suggesting they should be enjoyed raw. However, if you're looking to maximize your intake of lycopene—a beneficial antioxidant—cooking tomatoes is ideal, especially when combined with oil. Thus, tomatoes truly embody the idea of being "lovers in disguise," appealing to both culinary and nutritional sensibilities.
Did you know some tomatoes are meaty? This characteristic is due to their vulnerability to cold damage. A U.S. biotechnology company has genetically modified tomatoes by incorporating antifreeze proteins from fish to enhance their resilience against freezing temperatures. One can only imagine how tomatoes created a headache for the judge and caused a meltdown for vegetarians!
Black tomatoes, resembling plums, demonstrate the remarkable ability of tomatoes to transform and adapt. They don’t start out "black"; rather, their color develops under the sun.
The life of a tomato is not only colorful but also rich in variety. They go by many names: Virgin Tomato, Jade Tomato, Beef Tomato, Steak Tomato, Roman Tomato, Devil's Fruit, and Wolf Peach, to name a few.
Interestingly, tomatoes were once feared as poisonous. In ancient times, the unpleasant taste of their sap led many to suspect toxicity. Additionally, the high acidity of tomatoes reacted with the tin-lead tableware used by European nobility, resulting in lead poisoning. Symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue were often mistakenly attributed to tomato consumption, leading to the fruit's notorious reputation. Thankfully, over time and through cultivation, tomatoes have shed this negative image and now grace our tables as beloved staples.
Several tales recount how tomatoes overcame their bad reputation. One popular story involves Colonel Johnson from New Jersey, who boldly ate a basket of tomatoes in front of an eager crowd, proving they were safe. Another tale tells of a French painter captivated by the beauty of tomatoes while sketching them. He found the color of the tomatoes so attractive that he wondered what such a beautiful thing would taste like. So, he ate a wolf peach at the risk of his life, and then quietly lay in bed waiting for the Grim Reaper to come. Surprisingly, he did not die, and instead discovered its delightful sweet and sour flavor. Regardless of the tale, these experiences helped tomatoes transition from the realm of the feared to a common delight.
Tomatoes are not just for eating—they’re also for playing! Spain’s famous tomato-throwing festival showcases a riot of red as participants joyfully toss tomatoes at each other. Imagine world leaders throwing tomatoes at one another instead of waging wars - what a fun and harmless way to relieve stress, all while creating delicious tomato sauce!
If tomatoes had social media accounts, they would undoubtedly attract a massive following. They can be sweet, pickled, or dipped in ginger soy sauce, accompanied by fascinating stories. I aspire to live like a tomato: colorful and vibrant. So, the next time you encounter a tomato on your plate, smile and savor its rich history and delightful flavor.
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