Are tomatoes a fruit or vegetable?

Botanically, tomatoes are fruits (they develop from flower ovaries and contain seeds). Culinarily, they're treated as vegetables due to their savory flavor. Nutritionally, this distinction doesn't matter.

Are cooked tomatoes healthier?

Cooking tomatoes increases lycopene availability - an antioxidant linked to heart health and cancer prevention. However, cooking reduces vitamin C. Include both raw and cooked tomatoes for full benefits.