FAQ on Greenhouse Vegetables
Q. Is the tomato a fruit or a vegetable?
A. Commonly, a fruit is a part of a plant that we eat. Botanists define fruit by its seed-bearing structure—but if that makes a tomato a fruit, then what about eggplants, squashes, cucumbers and olives? By the strict terminology of botany, nearly every vegetable that’s not a root or a leaf is a fruit!
Q. Are tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet peppers good for me?
A. Tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet peppers play an important role in a healthy, balanced diet. For more information, see our Nutrition section.
Q. Is Ontario Greenhouse produce considered genetically engineered or the product of biotechnology?
A. Ontario greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet peppers are not genetically engineered. These luscious aromatic, vine-ripened vegetables are all natural and grown under carefully controlled conditions in a hydroponic environment, which means they are grown in nutrient-rich water instead of soil. These carefully controlled conditions ensure the highest quality produce.
Q. Are there additives or preservatives in Ontario Greenhouse Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Sweet Peppers?
A. Ontario Greenhouse Vegetables do not contain additives or preservatives.
Q. Are pesticides used in the growing of Ontario Greenhouse Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Sweet Peppers?
A. Producers ensure the highest quality produce using carefully controlled hydroponic conditions, including a pest management system where good bugs are introduced to eat bad bugs. The crop yield is safe, vine-ripened and virtually pesticide-free.
Q. Why do Ontario Greenhouse Vegetables always seem to be the same size?
A. Packers and Shippers ensure that shoppers get big, beautiful vegetables every time. The crop of tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet peppers are hand-picked and perfectly-sized using computerized systems to sort each tomato by color, weight and size to guarantee consistency.
Q. How do I distinguish Ontario Greenhouse tomatoes from all the others in the store?
A. Ontario greenhouse tomatoes are known for their distinctive, leafy green calyx—or crown stem. No other tomatoes have this distinguishing mark.
Q. What does “Hot House” mean?
A. Hot House is another term for greenhouse. Ontario greenhouse quality produce is grown under the protective cover of green or hot houses in controlled environments, ensuring premium quality produce.
Q. Is organically grown “sun-ripened” produce better than hydroponic?
A. Ontario Greenhouse hydroponically grown produce is vine-ripened using the natural light from the sun, sometimes supplemented by additional light sources. Unlike field produce, Ontario greenhouse produce is sheltered from potential harmful ultraviolet rays, pesticide drift, manure run-off and acid rain by the protective growing environment of the greenhouse.
Q. Do Canadians need to eat more vegetables?
A. Canadians are increasing their intake of vegetables and fruit. In a recent study, 38% of Canadians say they are eating more than before and per capita consumption has increased by 12% over the decade from 1985 to 1995.
