Tomatoes

Tomatoes are grown throughout the UK from April on farms and even a great vegetable to have fun growing at home. If you are helping to lower the carbon footprint then after October buy Italian or Spanish tomatoes. This is because if you buy UK crops after October they have usually been grown in heated glass housing to keep them out of the frost.

How to store Tomatoes

You may be surprised to know that these are best stored NOT in the fridge! Keeping them chilled can damage their flavour compounds. Keep at room temperature in a ventilated container (nothing air tight).

Tomatoes are also rich in the phytonutrient lycopene, something that has been associated with reducing the risk of certain cancers, in particular prostate, lung and stomach. It has also be associated with reduced cardiovascular risk as well. Understand more about phytonutrients and their powerful effects by reading the my article – What are phytonutrients?

How to prepare Tomatoes

Remove any stalks and wash. They have quite a tough skin so when chopping, make sure you use a sharp knife. If you should need to remove their skins, cut a cross into the base of the tomatoes and transfer to a bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave for 1 minute and then drain and rinse with cold water. You’ll then be able to peel off their skins.

How to cook Tomatoes

Raw

No need to cook them. They taste best fresh and raw in your salads. Just chop and add to any cold dish. Great to use in salsas too.

Stewed

If cooking any stew, make sure to add some tomatoes and cook them for a while to add a gorgeous texture and a deep tomato flavour.

Roasted

Cut them in half and pop in a roasting dish leaving plenty of room between each ahlf. Cook at 160’C for around 60 minutes or until slightly shrivelled and brown.

Grilled

Cut in half and place under a hot grill for around 20 minutes turning occasionally. Cook until soft.