August Superfood: Tomato
You say to-mat-to, I say to-mah-to! Do you consider tomatoes a fruit or vegetable? This ongoing debate could go either way. If we’re talking science, tomatoes are considered a fruit because they develop from the ovary of a plant and contain seeds. Some may refer to tomatoes as a vegetable because they are typically used in savory cooking. Whether you consider tomatoes a fruit or veggie, their nutrition benefits remain the same!
Tomatoes are rich in tons of vitamins and minerals but are known for their high concentration of the antioxidant lycopene. This antioxidant helps protect against certain types of cancers and gives tomatoes their bright red color. Fun fact: cooking tomatoes can increase the amount of lycopene you absorb.
You can almost eat the rainbow just with this one fruit – tomatoes come in red, orange, yellow, and green varieties. Tomatoes can be incorporated into practically every meal. Check out these cooking tips:
- Grill tomatoes for a tasty burger topping
- Sautee tomatoes with fresh herbs to freshen up a pasta dish
- Roast tomatoes to bring out their true flavors
- Keep them raw and add to salads, sandwiches, or salsa
- Add to omelets or quiches for a burst of color
- Blend into homemade sauces for pizza
- Stack up tomato slices with mozzarella and basil for an easy caprese salad
Follow these recommendations to enjoy the perfect tomato:
- Look for tomatoes that are bright in color
- Choose ones with a firmer texture and smooth skin
- To ripen more quickly, store in a cool, dark environment for 2-3 days
- Be careful! Ripe tomatoes can be come overripe quickly – keep a close eye on them
- Store fresh tomatoes in the refrigerator for optimal enjoyment
- Wash tomatoes thoroughly before eating and cooking