Few foods are more delicious or versatile than an organic tomato. There are many ways to enjoy tomatoes, and you can even do it mostly guilt-free thanks to all of the health benefits tomatoes can provide! Let’s take a closer look at this delicious produce and see how it can fit into anyone’s plans for organic eating.
How to Tell if a Tomato is Ripe
Obviously, a tomato is going to be most enjoyable when it’s ripe. To test one out, be gentle. Simply press on the tomato with your thumb. It should be firm, but soft enough to react a little bit to your thumb. Now it’s ready to be used in all sorts of dishes.
Benefits of Tomatoes
Tomatoes offer plenty of healthy benefits. They contain lycopene, which could help lower your risk of developing skin cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It also helps fight against inflammation. Tomatoes can also contain high levels of iron, potassium, and fiber. They’re a great source of vitamins too, especially vitamin C, vitamin A, and a variety of B vitamins.
Overall, tomatoes help with immunity, skin health, and bone health. They can help you keep your vision sharp as you get older. They’re good for digestive health and boost heart health as well, helping in preventative efforts against strokes. Some studies even show that tomatoes can help with diabetes management.
Ways to Enjoy Tomatoes
Fortunately, there are so many ways to enjoy tomatoes and take full advantage of the many health benefits that they offer. You can eat tomatoes fresh of course. They go great on toast with ingredients like basil and olive oil. They’re perfect for topping a sandwich or a burger. A classic BLT is always delicious, and if you’re concerned about heart health you can always go with turkey bacon or another alternative.
Tomatoes also go great in salad, and they can even combine with surprising and sweet ingredients like strawberries and watermelon. There are plenty of great options, so feel free to experiment. Tomatoes can go great with breakfast too. They’re a great ingredient for an omelet, especially when combined with other flavorful veggies.
You can also make homemade sauces or salsa. They can also be cut up and used to top pizza or pasta. There are just so many ways to enjoy an organic tomato, so feel free to stock up and try them out in a variety of ways! Find a local farmer who has organic tomatoes, or start growing them yourself if you have the room. You’ll love having these delicious, healthy ingredients to depend on.
Learn More About Healthy Produce
If you want to learn more about how you can add more healthy food and produce to your diet, we can help. Visit the Organic Restaurants blog and website for more helpful tips, and start living a healthier lifestyle today.