Whichever way you say it, we can all agree that nothing beats a luscious, ripe tomato. Summer tomatoes are fresh, colorful and oh-so juicy! Most regard the tomato as a vegetable, but in fact, the tomato is actually a fruit – a berry to be precise. Its “vegetable image” is derived from its not-so-sweet taste and the way it’s typically eaten, served and used in salads, pasta sauces, stews and soups.

Size, Shape, Color

There are many different varieties of tomatoes, the most common being the typical red, round version. You can find tomatoes in various sizes, shapes and colors. They can be as small as a grape – hence the name “grape tomato” – and as large as a grapefruit. Their shape can vary from round to oblong and their colors include red, yellow, orange, pink, purple, green and even white.

History

Versatile and delicious, tomatoes have an interesting history. Did you know… The tomato's origin can be traced back to the early Aztecs around 700 A.D. In 1897, Joseph Campbell mass-produced the first tomato soup, now regarded as one of the first “comfort foods.” Over the last couple years, heirloom tomatoes have become increasingly popular because of their flavor and variations in color and shape. Today, there are hundreds, maybe even thousands of tomato recipes. Simply slice and eat them, or create tomato marmalade. You can even fry them – ever heard of fried green tomatoes?

Health Benefits

Tomatoes are high in antioxidant vitamins; beta-carotene, vitamins C and E and lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that fights free radicals, which can interfere with normal cell growth and potentially lead to cancer, heart disease and premature aging. This means tomatoes are helpful in preventing heart disease and cancers. Also high in potassium and low in sodium, tomatoes help combat high blood pressure and prevent fluid retention, as well.

Market of Choice offers a large variety of fresh, local tomatoes. Enjoy one today!

A simple way to enjoy fresh tomatoes:

1. Cut a fresh tomato crosswise into ½” thick slices.

2. Prepare a simple balsamic vinaigrette.

3. Mix 2 T extra virgin olive oil, 2 T balsamic vinegar, and 1 T minced shallots and shake.

4. Drizzle vinaigrette onto tomatoes.

5. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

The following nutrition information is for one serving of tomatoes, or one cup of chopped or sliced tomatoes. This general information is for any variety of red tomatoes.

Calories: 32 Protein: 1.58 g Carbohydrates: 7 g Fiber: 2.2 g Sugars: 4.73 g Fat: 0.36 g Saturated Fat: 0.083 g Calcium: 18 mg Iron: 0.49 mg Potassium: 427 mg Sodium: 9 mg Vitamin C: 22.9 mg Lycopene: 4631 mcg