Tomatoes (soft, ripe)

Description

Soft, ripe tomatoes have a juicy, sweet-and-sour flavor and an intense red color with a glossy skin; the flesh is tender, full of juice and aroma, and the seeds are almost indistinguishable in the mouth. They pair wonderfully with fresh basil, olive oil, and garlic, making them suitable for salads, sandwiches, salsas, cold soups, sauces, as well as baking and stewing, where they enhance and intensify the flavor of dishes. Nutritionally, they are low in calories, rich in vitamin C, provitamin A, potassium, fiber, and lycopene—a powerful antioxidant linked to beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and reducing the risk of certain cancers. Due to their softness, they should be consumed quickly; store them at room temperature away from light and excess moisture, and for very ripe specimens, they can be briefly chilled to extend their shelf life, bringing them back to room temperature before serving for full flavor.