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What is the difference between a male and a female tomato?

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Tomatoes

Tomatoes

© Peggy Trowbridge
Question: What is the difference between a male and a female tomato?
What is the difference between a male and a female tomato?
Answer: My grandmother used to swear she could tell a male from a female tomato, thinking one is more sweet and with more or less seeds. Well, she was partially right. Truth be told, there's no such thing as a boy or girl tomato.

Tomatoes are botanically perfect, meaning they can self-pollinate. However, a large scar on the blossom end can indicate less seeds, but this is simply due to retarded development of the fruit under less than desirable conditions.

Size has nothing to do with sweetness or seed content.

More about Tomatoes:
• Tomato History
• Tomato Lore and Legends
• Is the tomato a fruit or a vegetable? FAQ
• Vine-ripened Tomatoes FAQ
• Tomato Selection and Storage
• Commercially-Grown and Hydroponic Tomatoes
• Are there male and female tomatoes? FAQ
• Tomatoes and Health
• Tomato Cooking Tips and Hints
• Tomato Equivalents and Substitutions
• Tomato Recipes
Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge, licensed to About.com, Inc.

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