A bushel is a unit of dry volume in the United States customary system, equal to 8 gallons. While typically used for grains, it can also measure produce like tomatoes. The weight of a bushel of tomatoes is not fixed, as it varies based on factors such as variety, growing conditions, and moisture content. A commonly cited average weight is 56 pounds, though this figure can range from 53 to 60 pounds.
Standardized units like the bushel facilitate trade and wholesale transactions by providing a common language for volume. Historically, this allowed for efficient exchange and pricing of agricultural goods, and the bushel remains relevant in modern agriculture for consistent record-keeping and sales. Understanding this unit of measurement is essential for farmers, distributors, and anyone involved in the commercial tomato industry.