Tomatoes

Select It

Look for plump tomatoes with smooth skin and a sweet smell. They should feel slightly firm. Avoid buying tomatoes that are mushy, bruised or have broken skin.

Store It

• Do not wash until ready to eat.
• Store on the counter away from direct sunlight for up to 7 days. Tomatoes taste best when not refrigerated.
• Place green tomatoes in a brown paper bag with a ripe piece of fruit to ripen faster.
• Store cut or cooked tomatoes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Store in the freezer for up to 2 months raw or cooked.

Reduce Food Waste

Tomatoes that are cracked are still good! Just cut out the cracked parts and eat the rest.  

Source: Save the Food

Prepare It

• Enjoy right off the vine! Always wash before cutting.
• To slice a tomato, place it on its side. Using a large serrated knife, slice off the top of the tomato. Then cut the tomato into thin slices.
• To cut tomato wedges, cut the tomato in half using a large serrated knife. Then cut it again to make quarters.
• Use fresh or canned tomatoes in soups, stews, rice dishes and chili for a great taste.
• Add fresh tomatoes to everyday foods like tacos, burritos, sandwiches and salads.

Did You Know?

A tomato is actually a fruit! They are classified as a fruit because they contain seeds and grow from the flower of the tomato plant. 

c Tomatoes help your body heal cuts and wounds, and help lower your risk of infection because they contain Vitamin C. 

a Tomatoes help maintain good vision, fight infection and keep your skin healthy because they contain Vitamin A.

Click here for more information about tomatoes.

Click here for a printable page with lots of info about tomatoes.

Recipes

Easy Turkey Skillet Dinner

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray or preferred vegetable oil
¾ pound lean ground turkey
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
3 tomatoes, chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon each dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 medium zucchinis, sliced​

Source: CA Champions for Change

Serving

Makes 4 servings. 1 cup per serving

Time

30 minutes

Directions

1. Spray nonstick cooking spray or vegetable oil in a large skillet.
   
   
2. Brown turkey and onion over medium heat until turkey is cooked through and onion is soft, about 10 minutes.
   
   
3. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes.
   
   
4. Add zucchini and cook for 5 more minutes. Serve hot.
   
   Variations
   
   For a vegetarian option, use lentils, brown rice or other whole grains.
   

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