Tomatoes

Description

Tomatoes have a juicy, sweet-tart flavor with a delicate acidity, a creamy flesh texture, and a shiny skin in shades of red, yellow, or green; their aroma can be intense and fresh, and the seeds provide a pleasant texture. They are low in calories, rich in water, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K, and folate, as well as lycopene—a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health, the circulatory system, and may reduce the risk of certain cancers, while also boosting immunity and skin condition. In the kitchen, tomatoes work well in salads, sauces, soups, bakes, on sandwiches, and pizzas, pairing wonderfully with basil, olive oil, garlic, cheese, and meat. Store them at room temperature, away from direct light, with the stem side up; place ripe tomatoes in the fridge only for a short time and bring them back to room temperature before serving, while keeping firmer ones in a cooler, dark place to ripen evenly.