Tomatoes - The Varieties For Your Meals
Tomatoes are a delicious way to add nutrients to the diet. They are rich in vitamins A and C
and are a good source of potassium. Tomatoes are also naturally low in sodium and contain
no cholesterol.
Today, we look for versatility, variety and convenience in the foods we eat. Tomatoes top the
list of versatile foods because they are not only good for you, they complement almost any
meal or occasion.
There are more than a dozen varieties of tomatoes. Slices of large, round tomatoes are
great on the grill; Roma or plum tomatoes make delicious sauces; and cherry or grape
tomatoes make a convenient snack. Tomatoes' versatility makes them ideal for all eating
and entertaining occasions, whether used as an ingredient, an accompaniment or as a
stand-alone.
To ensure the best flavor, never refrigerate. The tomato makes an enzyme that produces
flavor as it ripens. Once the temperature falls below 55 degrees, it permanently stops
producing that enzyme.
Tomatoes are an important dietary source of lycopene, an antioxidant being studied for its
ability to keep tissues healthy. Tomatoes also are high in vitamins and fiber - one medium
red tomato has 20 percent of the daily requirements of vitamin A, 40 percent of the daily
requirements of vitamin C and as much fiber as a slice of whole wheat bread.
This tomato recipe, developed by SunRipe Produce, meets nutritional standards set by
Produce for Better Health Foundation.
SUNRIPE BELLA ROMA
DI POMODORO
(Makes 6 servings)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 medium garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
12 Bella Roma Italian-style tomatoes (plum tomatoes), cut into chunks
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 pound penne pasta
10 basil leaves, torn by hand into small pieces
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic. Add Bella Roma (plum) tomatoes, salt and
pepper. Simmer sauce for 10 to 15 minutes; do not overcook the tomatoes. Meanwhile, cook
pasta according to package directions. Spoon sauce over pasta and sprinkle with parsley
and basil.

Nutritional information per serving: 364 calories, 8.3g total fat, 1.3g saturated fat, 20 percent
calories from fat, 3 percent calories from saturated fat, 12g protein, 63g carbohydrates, 0mg
cholesterol, 4g dietary fiber, 65mg sodium.
Tomatoes--No Refrigeration Required
Many people store tomatoes alongside other vegetables in their refrigerator's crisper drawer,
but that's not the best place for them. Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature to
maintain maximum flavor. Cool temperatures inside your refrigerator will stop the ripening
process and begin to decrease the flavor and change the texture. Try storing your tomatoes
in a decorative bowl on the counter.
Tomatoes and bananas help each other ripen quicker. Tomatoes and bananas emit a
naturally occurring ripening gas called ethylene and when you store the two together they
both ripen rapidly. If you need to ripen a tomato quickly, store it in a closed paper bag on the
counter. The ethylene gas speeds up the ripening process when confined around the fruit in
a closed bag.
Although tomatoes are native to Central and South America, they are now eaten throughout
the world and are an ingredient in countless recipes. Many people consider tomatoes an
essential part of their vegetable gardens each summer and they are available at your local
market year-round.
Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is a fresh tomato salsa often served as a dip for tortilla chips but it's also
terrific spooned onto grilled fish, chicken or pork.
Ingredients:
8 SUNRIPE Bella Roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
2 jalapenos, minced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1/2 a lime
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together and enjoy.
Serves: 8 persons; 1/2 cup of vegetables per serving
Nutrition Information per Serving: calories: 15, total fat: 0.2g, saturated fat: 0.03g, % of
calories from fat: 8, % of calories from saturated fat: 1, protein: 1g, carbohydrate: 3g,
cholesterol: 0mg, dietary fiber: 1g, sodium 149mg.
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