Tomatoes
Everything you need to know about Tomatoes
What are Tomatoes?
Tomatoes are edible fruits, although they're often mistakenly called vegetables. Originating in western South America, they have become a staple ingredient in cuisines worldwide due to their versatility and rich flavor. They belong to the nightshade family, along with potatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
Tomatoes come in a wide range of sizes, from tiny cherry tomatoes to large beefsteak tomatoes. They are also available in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, orange, green, purple, and even black.
What do Tomatoes Pair Well With?
Tomatoes pair well with a variety of foods. In terms of herbs and spices, they're often used with basil, oregano, garlic, and black pepper. They're excellent with cheeses like mozzarella and feta, or meats like chicken, beef, and fish. In terms of vegetables, tomatoes pair well with cucumbers, onions, and lettuce.
Tomatoes are a key component in Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, among others. They are often used in salads, sauces, soups, and sandwiches, or roasted and grilled as a side dish.
Recipes that Use Tomatoes
Classic Tomato Soup: A warming bowl of tomato soup, with its rich and velvety texture, is the perfect comfort food.
Pasta Pomodoro: This simple yet delicious pasta dish features fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
Tomato Salsa: Fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a kick of jalapeno - the perfect accompaniment to your favorite tortilla chips.
Caprese Salad: This Italian salad is made with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Roasted Tomatoes: Slow-roasted in the oven, these tomatoes make a delicious side dish or can be used as a topping for bruschetta.
What are the Health Benefits of Tomatoes?
Tomatoes are not just delicious; they're also packed with nutrients that offer various health benefits:
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Tomatoes are high in vitamins C, K, and several B vitamins. They also contain significant amounts of potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, and copper.
Antioxidant Properties: They are rich in antioxidants, including lycopene, which is linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Support Digestive Health: Being high in fiber and water content, tomatoes can help prevent constipation and promote healthy digestion.
Good for Skin Health: The lycopene in tomatoes is believed to protect the skin against UV rays, and their high water content can help keep the skin hydrated.
Remember, while tomatoes offer these health benefits, they should be part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
And there you have it - everything you need to know about tomatoes!
This Week’s Harvest
This Week’s Harvest is a one-time purchase to taste the season's goodness. It includes vibrant greens, fragrant herbs, crisp microgreens, and hearty root vegetables, all freshly harvested and delivered to your front door.
Taste This Week’s Harvest for yourself, and then let us know your thoughts. Or, come by for a tour. We are always eager to meet the families we feed and to show off exactly where our food came from.
And we can do so all season long.
Area 2 Farms offers different harvest subscription options to meet your family’s needs. Check out the 4-Week and the 10-Week Farm Subscriptions to choose what works best for you.
