The birthplace of tomatoes is South America. This plant was brought to Europe by the Spanish conquistadors as early as the 16th century. "Tomatl" in the Inca language means "large berry." And the French, for the color and shape of the fruit, resembling a heart, called them the apple of love, which in French is Pomme d'amour. Hence the name of the culture - tomato. Initially, this plant was used as a garden decoration, planted for joy and surprise near the house, and its fruits were considered inedible and even poisonous. The neighbors came to see the wonder, whose surprise there was no limit.
Its suitability for eating was determined by a happy event, to which we all owe. This happened at the height of the struggle for freedom and independence of the English colonies of North America in 1776. The rebels were led by future US President George Washington. And they tried to poison him with a sauce made from the fruits of this amazing plant, serving a dish spiced with it. Washington liked its taste, not to mention the fact that he remained alive. But the prejudice against tomatoes remained for some time. While in Europe and the New World, tomato was still considered inedible (in the 18th century), in Russia, in the southern regions, it began to be grown as a garden and food crop. In the middle of the XIX century, the area of distribution of tomatoes already covered the regions of the middle zone, and by the end of the century - the northern zone. Over time, thanks to breeders, new, not only early-ripening, but also cold-resistant varieties were created, one of which is Snowdrop tomatoes, which gained rapid spread. Breeders managed to achieve incredible results, and it is not surprising that now this culture is cultivated almost everywhere.
The cold-resistant tomato variety Snowdrop is initially adapted for cultivation in the open ground of the northwestern regions of the country. Such a link as growing seedlings on window sills in houses has been removed from the chain of its development and growth. Better than other varieties, Snowdrop tomatoes grow on poor soils and even reduce productivity if nitrogen is applied to the soil.
Tomato Snowdrop is usually sown in early April in a greenhouse that is not heated (or in late April in a greenhouse where the soil is well-manicured). Grown seedlings in mid-June are planted in open ground. The stage of full ripening of fruits occurs in mid-August. Tomato Snowdrop is a semi-compact compact bush; when grown using earthing, it forms 3 stems, each of which in turn usually has 3 brushes. In the second half of June, a period of mass flowering is observed, in early July - fruit set. On the first branch they ripen weighing up to 150 grams, and on the second - up to 90-11 grams. There are usually 5 fruits in a brush. In total, a snowdrop tomato from one plant gives a yield of up to 1.6 kilograms.
And, of course, the Snowdrop tomato is no different from its counterparts in the versatility of its healing properties. Tomatoes improve metabolism and, thanks to serotonin, increase mood, being a good antidepressant. They have anti-aging and antitumor effects on the body, help with atherosclerosis, asthenia, and indigestion. A natural medicine and a powerful antioxidant - lycopene, which is part of them, helps to reduce the risk of developing heart and vascular diseases. This vegetable is better absorbed if food with its content is consumed with vegetable oil.
Its useful properties also contribute to preserving vision and preventing changes in the retina, which in old age can cause vision loss. Contraindications exist for diseases such as cholelithiasis, gastritis and gastric ulcer, but they are relative, so you do not need to completely exclude this useful vegetable from your diet. Eat tomatoes and be healthy!