The tomato is a popular vegetable. Even though technically it is a fruit because of the seeds, it has been officially classified as a vegetable to avoid confusion with import duties on those coming from other countries. So, whether you’re on the fruit or vegetable side of the fence, one thing remains the same; for those who love tomatoes, it doesn’t matter how you classify it. Instead, the only thing of importance is how you eat tomatoes.
Tomatoes have been around for centuries but only eaten in this country for less than two. People were once afraid of them, thinking they were poisonous. When they overcame that, tomatoes were not just grown to add color to the garden but for consumption.
Where to Find Tomatoes
These red veggies are found at farmer’s markets, grocery stores, farms, and at roadside stands. You can find a tomato almost anywhere if you look. Climates on both coasts of the United States are favorable for growing tomatoes all year round.
In the South, tomatoes are used as a sandwich topper or as the sandwich. I’ve never been much for soggy bread or the things that make them soggy, so I won’t be eating a tomato sandwich any time soon, but I know plenty of people that do especially in the summer when tomatoes are at their peak. They don’t seem to mind that the bread turns to mush as they bite and chew.
Keeping Your Tomatoes Fresh
Tomato consumption has risen mostly due to the sources of use for them. When you purchase fresh vegetables, preparing them as soon as possible keeps them from spoiling and you from wasting money. Tomatoes ripen best on the counter. Putting them in the fridge is a no-no because they won’t ripen and the taste is not as good.
Preserving Tomatoes
If you have more tomatoes than you can eat, there are several ways to preserve them for later use. Speaking of preserves, canning tomatoes is one option. There was a time when all people did in the summer on the farm was can fruits and vegetables for the winter months. You don’t see that much if at all anymore but with the rising price of crude oil, it may be back in fashion real soon.
While you’re at it can some tomato sauce for Italian dishes like spaghetti and lasagna. Tomatoes are great for salads especially the grape, cherry, and Roma tomatoes. The primary dish for tomatoes is salsa. Salsa is great for chips, dip, and as a sauce for chicken and fish.
However you enjoy tomatoes, they are a documented source of antioxidants. They fight the aging process which is great news for us thirty and forty-something folks.
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