Tomato

The tomato, a vibrant and versatile fruit often used as a vegetable in cooking, boasts a sweet and slightly acidic flavor that intensifies when cooked. Ranging in color from deep red to yellow and even green, tomatoes offer a juicy and sometimes pulpy texture depending on the variety. Whether enjoyed raw in salads or transformed into rich sauces, sun-dried for intense flavor, or grilled for a smoky sweetness, understanding the many uses of fresh ripe tomatoes is essential for any home cook looking to elevate their culinary creations. Sourcing locally grown tomatoes during peak season ensures the best flavor and texture for pasta sauces, sandwiches, and countless other dishes.

Vegetable Fruit

Common Uses

Use ripe tomatoes to make a fresh and flavorful homemade tomato sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for stews. Roasting the tomatoes beforehand intensifies their sweetness and depth of flavor.
Slice fresh tomatoes and layer them with mozzarella cheese and basil for a classic Caprese salad, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil. Using heirloom tomatoes elevates the visual appeal and provides unique flavor profiles.
Grill thick slices of tomato brushed with olive oil until slightly charred and softened. Serve as a side dish, on top of burgers, or as part of a grilled vegetable platter. Seasoning with herbs like thyme or rosemary adds a fragrant touch.
Sun-dry tomatoes at home or purchase them pre-dried for an intensely flavored ingredient. Rehydrate them in olive oil and use them in pesto, antipasto platters, or chopped into salads and pasta dishes. Their concentrated flavor adds a burst of sunshine to any recipe.
Blend tomatoes into refreshing gazpacho, a chilled Spanish soup perfect for hot summer days. Combine with cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and garlic for a light and healthy meal. Add a splash of sherry vinegar for extra tang.
Dice fresh tomatoes and mix them with onions, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice to create a vibrant pico de gallo salsa. Serve with tortilla chips, grilled meats, or as a topping for tacos and burritos. For added depth, roast the tomatoes before dicing.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

22.0kcal (1.1%)

Protein

1.1g (2.16%)

Carbs

4.9g (1.77%)

Sugars

3.2g (6.44%)

Healthy Fat

0.2g

Unhealthy Fat

0.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which may help protect against certain cancers.
Excellent source of Vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health.
Good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Provides dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
Contains Vitamin A, important for vision and immune function.
Low in calories and fat, making it a healthy addition to any diet.

Substitutes

Storage Tips

Store unripe tomatoes at room temperature away from direct sunlight until they ripen. Once ripe, they can be refrigerated to extend their shelf life, but this may slightly affect their texture and flavor. For longer storage, tomatoes can be frozen, either whole or pureed, although freezing can alter the texture. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.