Produce Spotlight: Tomatoes

What’s better than the first perfectly ripened tomato of the summer? As far as I’m concerned, not a lot. I’ll eat that like a peach.

But, I start to feel differently when I’m looking at tomato number 900 for the season. Here are a few ways to keep using those tomatoes and some information on why you should keep eating them, especially while they are cheap and in season.

Tomato Nutrition

  • Tomatoes are made up of mostly water – making them a hydrating snack, great for hot summer days.
  • Tomatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps keep your immune system functioning properly and helps keep eyes healthy.
  • They are also an excellent source of Vitamin C. People usually think of oranges when they think of Vitamin C. Tomatoes are actually a great source – 1 cup of cherry tomatoes contains ⅓ of your daily Vitamin C needs. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps with wound healing and tissue growth.
  • They are also a good source of Potassium. Potassium helps keep blood pressure in check.

Tomato Ideas

  • Many vegetables need some prep work before they are tasty. Not tomatoes. Try bringing cherry tomatoes with you to work as a snack.
  • A few quick and no cook recipes using tomatoes include:
    • Strawberry Salsa – Washing and cutting some produce is all you need to do for this quick and tasty snack.
    • Cucumber Tomato Salad – Another wash and cut snack. This one is savory instead of sweet.
  • Do you have a little more time on your hands and want to use tomatoes in a full meal? Try out one of these recipes:
  • Tomatoes can also be added to many dishes. Slice one up and put it on a sandwich or burger. Dice a few and add them to your burrito, taco, or salad.

Do you have a tomato recipe you love? Submit it to Click ‘N Cook!

 

Written by Rachel Caty, MPH, RDN, LDN

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