From Fruit to Feast, Unveiling the Versatility of Tomatoes!

Did you know that tomatoes are actually considered a fruit?

Tomatoes have seeds, which means they are botanically considered fruit. However, in the culinary world, they are considered vegetables due to their savory rather than sweet flavoring.

Tomatoes are typically in season from May to October, making it the perfect time to start planting seeds for a bountiful harvest! Beyond their delicious taste, tomatoes offer a wealth of nutrients that can contribute to better health. They have been linked to lowering hypertension, reducing cancer risk, treating urinary tract infections, promoting eye health, and even improving skin complexion.

Thanks to their versatile texture, tomatoes are a kitchen staple, adaptable to a wide range of cooking styles and dishes. Keep reading to learn more about this delicious fruit, I mean vegetable!

Tomatoes 101

When it comes to tomatoes, there are some handy tips to ensure you get the most out of them:

Selecting & Picking: Tomatoes are at their peak freshness during the spring and summer months. Look for smooth, firm tomatoes with vibrant color and no bruises.

Storing: If your tomatoes aren’t quite ripe yet, keep them out of direct sunlight in a cool spot until they fully ripen. Once ripe, you can refrigerate them, but try to use them within a week for the best flavor and texture.

Handling: Avoid storing tomatoes near foods with strong odors, as tomatoes can easily absorb other flavors. Keep them away from onions, garlic, and strong cheeses to maintain their fresh taste.

6 Delicious Tomato-Filled Ideas

Due to their unique texture, tomatoes are adaptive and great to cook with. Check out a few great ways to include tomatoes in your menu!

Salsa: To have great salsa, you need to start with a fresh tomato. Tomatoes are the base of most salsas, so having a ripe juicy tomato is essential.

Salad: No salad is complete without a handful of cherry tomatoes or some chopped-up pieces of a beefsteak tomato. If the tomato is juicy enough, you may not even need salad dressing.

Pasta: Tomatoes and pasta go together like, well spaghetti and sauce. However, tomatoes don’t have to be made into a sauce to transform a dish! Adding sautéed tomatoes into pasta with a toss of olive oil is just as good!

Bruschetta: You cannot talk about the importance of fresh tomatoes without mentioning bruschetta. This appetizer is best served fresh, and is great for a backyard gathering.

Soup: Although the cold air is leaving us, there is still nothing like tomato soup – especially when it is paired with grilled cheese! Check out my recipe here.

Appetizer: Pairing together tomato and cheese makes for a delicious appetizer! Mozzarella and tomato, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette will sure be a crowd pleaser.

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone when it comes to tomatoes! There are so many different ways you can include them in your favorite dishes – you may be surprised to see how much you enjoy the added texture and flavor.

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