Tomatoes

About: If you ever get caught in an argument over whether a tomato is a vegetable or not (we all have), know this: In 1893, a supreme court ruling in Nix v. Hedden declared that the tomato is a vegetable. Botanically speaking, the tomato is a fruit because it bears seeds and grows from the flowering part of a plant. However, for culinary purposes it is seen as a vegetable, hence the United States Supreme Court ruled that legally, a tomato is a vegetable. Whatever the case, tomatoes are delicious and brighten up any meal. There are many varieties of tomatoes, including Beefsteak, Roma, Globe and Cherry. Our favorite is the heirloom tomato.  

• Heirloom Tomatoes: Warning: Heirlooms can either be increibly beautiful or incredibly ugly. Anyone that has been to an estate sale can verify this. Treat with care. They are fragile, which is why they are not often seen in grocery stores. 

Nutrition: Tomatoes are a great source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium and Manganese

Storage: Keep tomatoes at room temperature until ripe, and then use within a day or two.

Tips: Refrigerating tomatoes leads to flavor loss. To remove the skin of a tomato, soak in boiling water for 30 seconds then immediately plunge in ice water. Remove the peel with a pairing knife. 

QuickFix: The perfect summer snack: slice of tomato, mozzarella cheese and basil drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. 

Recipes: Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil, Heirloom Tomato BLTs, Tomato Sauce, Tomato and Avocado Salad