By Vanessa Richins

If you’ve ever looked closely at a tomato stem, you’ll notice that it’s covered with many short hairs.

Researchers in the US have been studying those hairs, called glandular trichomes, in hopes of learning more about human disease resistance.

They revealed their findings at a major biotechnology conference in Canberra, Australia.

“Trichomes create the pungent aroma of ripe tomato and Read the rest of this entry »

By Michelle Fabio

It may be no Tomatina, Spain’s famous tomato-throwing contest, but tiny Guyra, New South Wales, Australia (population about 2,000) is holding its first ever Great Tomato Crushing Event as part of its Christmas Street Parade and Carnival on December 2.

What is Guyra’s special relationship with tomatoes?

A few years ago, because of its unique geographic position (it’s one of the highest towns in Australia), Guyra was chosen to be the home of Australia’s largest and most advanced greenhouse facilities.
Read the rest of this entry »