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Tomatoes One of the most loved vegetables and for good reason. Enjoy fresh from the garden in the summer. Peel, seed, and cook for sauces and soups. Top bruchettas, make fresh salsas, use in salads, layer in sandwiches, etc. One of the most nutritious vegetables as well. It makes the lists of superfoods and is recommended by nutrition experts to eat every day. I have heard many times, "Tomatoes aren't a vegetable, they are a fruit." This is true by definition, but 'vegetable' is a culinary term and tomatoes fit in this category. Vegetables consist of leaves, roots, pods, and seeded produce (fruit) among other things.
1 c fresh, chopped Calories 32 Total Fat 0g Total Carbohydrate 7g Dietary Fiber 2g Sugars 5g Protein 2g Vitamin A 30% Vitamin C 38% Also a source of calcium, iron, vitamin B6, thiamin, and lycopene.					Season- summer Size- varies greatly depending on variety Selecting- choose tomatoes that are heavy for their size, have taut skin, and no blemishes Storage- store at room temperature 1-5 days, depending on ripeness Refrigeration- avoid refrigerating tomatoes, it turns them mealy and ruins the flavor Freezing- peel, squeeze out the seeds, and freeze up to six months Canning- home canned tomatoes are good for one year
Peeling and Seeding for Sauces and Soups

Boil a pot of water. Rinse tomatoes and add to the water.			As soon as you see a break in the peel, remove from the hot water.				Place in an ice bath to stop them from cooking.


Using a knife, cut the top out. Slip the peels off and discard.			Cut in half and gently squeeze out the seeds. This step is optional, but I like to do it. The seeds are bitter so I like to discard them. Also, the liquid surrounding the seeds adds a lot of liquid to a sauce, which waters it down.				For the best consistency and taste, process using a food mill or a potato masher. A blender or food processor is quicker and easier, but the taste and consistency won't be as good.


Heat oil and seasonings before adding the tomatoes. This brings out their flavor which will then infuse the sauce.			Add tomato sauce and stir well. To keep the fresh tomato taste, heat up to 15 minutes. For a stewed tomato taste, cook 15 minutes to 3 hours.

Seeding and Chopping for Salsas and Bruschettas

Rinse tomatoes well.			Cut the top out. Cut each tomato in half. Gently squeeze out the seeds				Chop to desired size.
Slicing for Salads and Sandwiches

Rinse tomatoes well. Cut the top out of each.			Slice in wedges for salads.				Slice in rounds for sandwiches and some bruschettas.
Use Fresh Tomatoes with

Anniversary Wrap	Classic Bruschetta	Pesto Bruschetta		Blue Cheese & Onion Bruschetta		Panzenella Bread Salad		Fresh Salsa	Guacamole

Balsamic Tomato Basil Salad	Buns for sandwiches & burgers	Mexican Salad with CreamyTomatillo Dressing		Chicken Souvlaki
Use Cooked or Canned Tomatoes with

Fresh Tomato Pasta	Authentic Italian Lasagna	Thin Crust Pizza		TexasChili		Spicy Sausage Lentil Soup		African Superfood Soup	Southwest Pesto

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