Superfoods – Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the most popular fruit in the world. Tomatoes offer anti-inflammatory protection from the antioxidants Vitamin A & C. Tomatoes are also a very good source of Vitamin K and Magnesium, and other nutrients. There are many healthy and delicious ways to get more tomatoes into your diet.
- Tomatoes have high levels of lycopene, a powerful source of antioxidants that’s been proven to help prevent heart attacks. They also are good sources of vitamins A, C and K, as well as potassium.
- Many tomatoes are artificially ripened with ethylene gas a few days before being sold. To get the best taste possible, opt for vine-ripe or canned tomatoes.
- When picking tomatoes, look for a fruit that’s heavy and dense for its size. The colour of the tomato should be relatively consistent throughout, and it should smell sweet and earthy, not bitter or stale.
- Tomatoes can be frozen for up to a year; their skin might crack, but they’ll stay fresh much longer and will be easy to peel.
Recipes
Panzanella Salad
Panzanella Salad
![]()
- 1/2 pound day-old crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
- 1 pound ripe tomatoes, trimmed and cubed
- 1/2 cup cucumber, cubed
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
- 10 fresh basil leaves, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Throw all the ingredients in a bowl, toss well to combine
Gazpacho
Gazpacho (Spanish tomato soup)
![]()
- 3 pounds ripe tomatoes, cut into rough 1-inch chunks
- 1 small cucumber, peeled and cut into rough 1-inch chunks
- 1 small red onion, peeled and cut into rough 1-inch chunks
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
- 3 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed, torn into rough 1-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sherry or red wine vinegar
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
- Chopped chives
- Add all items except pepper, extra olive oil and chives to a blender or food processor
- Blend until smooth
- Pour some soup into a bowl
- Sprinkle pepper, olive oil and chives on top
Tomato Salsa
Tomato Salsa
![]()
- 6 ripe red or orange tomatoes
- 1 fresh jalapeƱo chile, seeded and minced
- 1/2 white onion, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro sprigs, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Mix everything in large bowl.