On the vine

Tomatoes liven up a wide range of dishes

What’s not to love about tomatoes? They are juicy, flavourful and add just the right amount of colour to any dish. A tomato is actually a fruit but in cuisines around the world tomatoes are eaten as a vegetable.

Of the many varieties of tomatoes at our local Atlantic Superstore, right now, you can find bright red beefsteak and on-the-vine tomatoes grown locally in Nova Scotia. During the colder months these tomatoes are grown in hothouses to provide the right growing environment, so that they can be available in our produce department all year long. Beefsteak tomatoes are a great choice because they can be enjoyed raw but also fare well in cooked dishes!

In addition to being delicious, tomatoes are also bursting with nutritional benefits. They are high in vitamin C and potassium, are a good source of

vitamin A, folate, and lycopene. Their deep red colour comes from the antioxidant, lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.

With a wide selection and many varieties of tomatoes instore, it can be a challenge to know which to choose. To help you pick a good tomato and store it properly, check the following tips.

● Look for smooth tomatoes with no cracks or bruises that are firm (not too hard, but give to gentle palm pressure) and feel heavy when picked up. Look for tomatoes with an even shape and uniform colour.

● Store tomatoes unwashed until ready to use and keep them out of the refrigerator at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Storing tomatoes in the fridge can cause a loss in flavour and an undesirable mealy texture. Very ripe tomatoes can be kept in the fridge. If you are trying to ripen a tomato try storing it in a paper bag. You’ll know when it’s ripe when you can see a star-shaped marking on the bottom.

● When you’re ready to prepare tomatoes, be sure to cut top to bottom – this will help retain the juice.

Tomatoes are extremely versatile. What’s your favourite way to incorporate tomatoes into meals at home? Tomatoes go well with basil, black pepper, mint, oregano, balsamic vinegar and olive oil, and pair nicely with cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, onions, mozzarella, beef and some seafood. Some of the many ways tomatoes can be used raw or cooked include:

● Added to soups or stews

● Used to make fresh tomato gazpacho

● Diced in a salad, relish or salsa

● Sliced in a sandwich or topped on a burger

● Made into a pasta sauce or paste

● Added whole to skewers and kabobs (try this with cherry or grape tomatoes work)

● Chopped or diced in quesadillas and casseroles

As we get closer to summer, more local produce will be available at our store. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy flavourful local produce and to support local growers! In the meantime check out this delicious recipe that is sure to get you hooked on tomatoes. Try using the beefsteak or on-the-vine tomatoes in this recipe instead of plum tomatoes since they are locally grown options.

Upcoming event

Have you heard of the Guiding Stars program? Drop in to the New Glasgow Atlantic Superstore on May 16 between noon and 2 p.m. to see your in-store dietitian to learn more about this simple tool for healthier grocery shopping. No registration required.

Have a nutrition question? Want to book a free appointment or educational store tour for yourself or your community group or business? Contact me by phone at (902) 921-0700 or by email at Courtney.masey2@loblaw.ca.