While they may be technically considered to be perennial plants, tomatoes are usually grown as annuals, which differs greatly from citrus fruits. Some examples of citrus fruits include lemons, oranges, and grape fruits .
What is the difference between citrus fruits and tomatoes?
There are certain defining characteristics which citrus fruits have, such as the fact that they all grow in perennial trees, which tomatoes do not. Tomatoes grow for the most part on shorter vine plants.
Citrus fruit trees include oranges, lemons, grapefruit and tangerines. All citrus fruits have inedible skins that you must peel away to get to the pulpy sections on the interior. Citrus fruits are also highly fragrant. Tomatoes, however, are part of the nightshade family, which includes the potato and the eggplant.
What is a citrus fruit?
A citrus fruit is actually a special kind of berry grown on large shrubs that resemble trees. Types of citrus include oranges, lemons, and limes, and are generally more bitter or sour in taste than an apple. It is protected on the outside by a peel and a juicy pulp covered with a white pith.
What are some examples of citrus fruits?
Some examples of citrus fruits include lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. Tomatoes are part of the nightshade family which also includes eggplants and potatoes.
Are Tomatoes a fruit or a vegetable?
While there can be confusion about whether tomatoes are a fruit or a vegetable, they’re definitely not a citrus fruit. Unlike citrus fruits that grow on perennial trees, tomatoes grow on much shorter vine plants. Though technically perennial plants, tomatoes are most often cultivated as annuals.
Nonetheless, tomatoes are the second most widely eaten vegetable in the United States today, losing the crown only to potatoes. However, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, What We Eat in America (2005–2010), found that most tomatoes were consumed as tomato products — namely as tomato sauce for pasta or as ketchup.
What is citric acid used for in Tomatoes?
Citric acid is the most commonly found natural acid in tomatoes. Citric acid is often used in food flavoring and as a preservative due to its ability to kill bacteria. It is particularly used in soft fruit drinks to provide that sharp flavor.