Tomatoes are the star of the farmer's markets in the summer.
Nothing beats a juicy slice of ripe tomato on a sandwich, tiny cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness in a summer salad or dipping warm tortilla chips into grilled tomato salsa. Uses for tomatoes are virtually endless, as they shine in both savory and sweet dishes. When the health benefits of tomatoes are considered, the fruit-vegetable (it's classified as both!) proves to be both delicious and nutritious.
Fresh Tomatoes
Grilled tomatoes add a smoky flavor to salsa.
Fresh tomatoes don't need to be fussed over; they taste best when prepared simply. The easiest way to enjoy a perfectly ripe summer tomato is sliced into thick slabs and sprinkled with kosher salt. Dress sliced tomatoes further by adding a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and cracked black pepper. Brushing tomato slices with olive oil and grilling for a few minutes brings out the natural sugars found in tomatoes. Serve grilled tomatoes on a bed of buttered noodles, or chop them up and add lemon juice, jalapeno, red onion and cilantro for a twist on fresh salsa. Make a classic BLT sandwich with succulent heirloom tomato slices, thick-cut bacon and butter lettuce. It is simple, but incredibly delicious.
Canned Tomatoes
Gazpacho is a chilled soup.
High-quality canned tomatoes are a good alternative to fresh tomatoes during the fall and winter months because they are shelf stable and canned at the peak of ripeness. Whole canned tomatoes can be sliced and made into a simple Italian pizza with fresh mozzarella, Parmesan, basil and olive oil. They are also a great foundation for barbecue, pizza and pasta sauces. Blend whole canned tomatoes in a food processor with tomato juice and a splash of vinegar; add chopped onions, celery, cucumber and tomato for a chilled gazpacho soup.
Health Benefits
Tomatoes can be beneficial to your health because they contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Eating foods that contain lycopene has been tied to the prevention of a wide range of different cancers. Improvements in bone density have also been credited to lycopene. Because of the abundance of vitamin A found in tomatoes, eating them can help to improve vision, as well as make hair strong and shiny. The vitamin B in tomatoes can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Tomato Facts
Tomatoes should be plump, without bruises or blemishes.
Today, China is the largest producer of tomatoes. There are thousands of tomato varieties, the most common of which are plum, cherry and slicing tomatoes. Cold temperatures are not good for tomatoes, so store them on the counter top in a basket. Chopped tomatoes can be frozen and stored for later use in soups and sauces. When buying tomatoes, make sure they are plump and free of cuts, bruises or cracks.
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