Americans eat 12 million tons of tomatoes every year.  It’s a good habit that stretches back to the Aztec diet of 700 A.D.  When tomatoes were brought to Europe by explorers they were treated as poisonous by the wealthy.  In the 1500s the upper class used pewter flat wear and dishes. Pewter is a metal alloy that includes lead.   Because tomatoes are high in acid, it caused the lead in the eating utensils to leach, resulting in poisoning and death.  The poor who ate off wooden dishes had no such problem; therefore, tomatoes were food for the lower classes.  Today there are more than 15,000 types of tomatoes enjoyed all over the world.

The tomato, which is technically a fruit is an excellent source of Lycopene an antioxidant that supports eye health.  Studies also show that the higher the blood level of Lycopene, the lower the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.  Lutein and beta-carotene are nutrients found in tomatoes and protect against macular degeneration and the onset of cataracts

Here are the top five tomatoes to grow in containers as reported by www.highmowingseeds.com Make sure the container is 3-5 gallons with holes in the bottom for drainage.  Shortly after the plants begin to grow, introduce the trellis system to help them grow upward.

Glacier – these luscious lovelies are known as an early tomato with great taste and grow well in colder northern climates.  Glaciers grow to 2-3″ and are known as early fruit producers. The plant continues to produce tomatoes until the end of the season; on average 55 days.

Moskvich – This Russian heirloom is an early yield tomato that thrives in cool climates and produces 4-6” deep red, crack-resistant fruit.  It also grows well in greenhouses and is excellent for canning or sauce.  It yields an early heavy crop and continues producing all season; on average 60 days.

Indigo Rose – This exotic fruit grows on a beautiful ornamental plant.  The clusters consist of 6-8 2′ tomatoes that are jet black outside and deep red inside. The plant produces purple-tinged leaves and is disease-resistant.  Indigos are a source of the antioxidant anthocyanin which is known to protect against heart disease, high cholesterol, and breast cancer.  It’s growing season averages 75-80 days.

Marmalade – Is a large orange fruit just as sweet as red tomatoes.  The flesh is firm and perfect.  It yields an early, heavy crop and harvesting continues all season, generally around 78 days.

Gold Nugget – These low-acid, bright yellow cherry tomatoes grow abundantly and early on compact plants.  The fruit is juicy and has a mild sweet taste.  It has a crack-resistant skin. An excellent choice for hanging and upside-down baskets.  It has a 60-day growing season.