Tomatoes are ripe and ready. What can you do with them? Certainly, you can slice them for sandwiches and cut them up in salads, but here are some more ideas you can use to get all the flavor and nutritional benefits of these summer staples.
The nutritional value of tomatoes
Tomatoes contain healthy portions of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. They also are the main source of lycopene in our diets. Lycopene is an antioxidant that may protect cells from damage. It is associated with a lower risk of several cancers and is also known to help heart health.
Another group of chemicals, lutein, and zeaxanthin turn up in tomatoes. These substances can help your eyes to cope with blue light from computers and even reduce your chances of macular degeneration.
Tomatoes for breakfast
Tomatoes are the state vegetable in Arkansas, but they’re also the state fruit. This is because tomatoes are, horticulturally speaking, a fruit. That may be why they’re such a great choice for breakfast.
Enjoy them in quiche and breakfast casseroles, or just slice them and serve as you would fruit.
Tomatoes are a classic addition to shirred eggs. Slice a tomato into a small ramekin or baking dish. pour on a tablespoon of cream. Break an egg into the ramekin. Sprinkle grated cheese on top and set the baking dish into a roasting pan. Repeat the process for each person you are feeding.
Now boil water and pour it into the roasting pan till the water is halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. This makes an easy and elegant dish for brunch, but it’s also quick and simple enough to fix any day. Pop the eggs in the oven and by the time you get dressed your breakfast will be ready.
Tomatoes for lunch
Stuffed tomatoes are a traditional dish that isn’t served very often anymore. This makes it a little surprising, and it’s still delicious. Since off the top of a tomato and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, leaving the walls of the tomato. Stuff the tomato with macaroni and cheese, chopped mushrooms and your favorite grated cheese, or breadcrumbs and herbs. Bake the tomatoes at 350 degrees for 30 minutes and serve with soup or salad.
Make a fun accompaniment to sandwiches by spearing a cherry tomato with a slice cut from the top along with a slice of string cheese. They may look like toadstools, but they taste like a classic Caprese salad.
Tomatoes for dinner
Cooked or canned tomatoes have less vitamin C than raw, fresh ones, but they have more usable lycopene. Chances are good that some of your favorite family dinners contain cooked or canned tomatoes:
- Chili
- Spaghetti
- Tacos
- Enchiladas
- Pizza
Check out our recipes containing canned tomatoes: