Season: May to November
Description: Tomatoes provide vitamin C, an antioxidant that may reduce your risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Vitamin C helps protect skin from bruising, helps heal cuts and keeps gums healthy. Eating foods with vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Tomatoes are also a source of potassium, magnesium and fiber. Potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure, magnesium helps build and maintain strong bones, and fiber helps control cholesterol and keeps you regular.
Vitamins: Vitamin C, Potassium, Magnesium, Fiber
Selection: Choose plump, heavy tomatoes with smooth skins. Avoid tomatoes with bruises, blemishes or deep cracks.
Storing: At room temperature for up to 1 week or longer if still ripening. Tomatoes that are not fully ripe will continue to ripen if stored out of the sun at room temperature.
Preparation: Rinse tomatoes gently in cold water before serving them.
Serving: Add sliced tomatoes to salads and sandwiches at the last minute because they begin to release their juices as soon as they are cut.