Produce of the Month: Tomato, Tomahto

Woman chopping tomatoes

The tomato is one of our favorite fruits that are used like vegetables, and it's easy to see why. They're healthy and delicious, and they're used in some of the most spectacular cuisines around. Hello, pizza?

Of course, you don't have to use tomatoes in cooking to unlock their massive flavor power. Simply one or two slices of these happy red flavor balls can totally transform a sandwich and take it to the next level. Cherry tomatoes can turn a plain salad into a delicious treat, and as a bonus they feel like eating giant bugs when they pop inside of our mouths, which is the surest way to get a kid to eat them that we can think of.

This month's produce spotlight is one of the most consumed and appreciated fruits in the country, so let's show these tomatoes some appreciation.

Some Facts About Tomatoes

Tomato icon

We all know that tomatoes are fruits by now. It's probably the most commonly used fact for impressing people at parties. But did you know that they're not just a fruit, but they're technically a kind of berry? They have seeds on the inside and grow on vines, which technically classifies them as a berry. Who knew?

Tomatoes are also one of the healthiest foods you can eat. They're packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and they've been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. So not only are they delicious, but they're good for you, too.

Tomatoes come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny grape tomatoes to the massive beefsteak varieties. They can be red, yellow, green, or even purple, and their flavor can range from sweet to tart.

They're also one of the oldest fruits in America, as they were first brought north from Central America by the Spanish in the 16th century. And since then, they've been used in all sorts of dishes, from sauces to soups to salads.

How to Select and Store Tomatoes

When selecting tomatoes, look for ones that are brightly colored and free of blemishes. Avoid any that have bruising or are overly soft.

You can store tomatoes at room temperature, but they'll last longer if you put them in the fridge. Just take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you want to use them so that they can come back to room temperature.

How to Use Tomatoes

There are endless ways to use tomatoes. You can slice them and put them on a sandwich, dice them and add them to a salad, or roast them and put them in a pasta dish.

You can also eat them raw with a little bit of salt, or make your own sun-dried tomatoes at home.

Tomatoes are also a key ingredient in many sauces, such as marinara, salsa, and bruschetta.

And of course, you can always just eat them plain as a snack. We won't judge you.

A Tomato Recipe For You

Roasted Tomato Sauce

This roasted tomato sauce is a great way to use up any extra tomatoes you have lying around. It's perfect for pasta, pizza, or just eating with a spoon.

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg of tomatoes, halved
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large roasting pan, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and olive oil.
  3. Roast for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are very soft and beginning to brown.
  4. Let the mixture cool slightly, then transfer to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
  5. Return the sauce to the pan and stir in salt, pepper, sugar, and basil.
  6. Simmer for about 10 minutes, then serve.

This roasted tomato sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to six months.

Caboodle's Got Tomatoes

When you order your groceries with Caboodle, tomatoes are just one of the many produce items you can select in your delivery bundles. Each week different varieties of tomatoes are found in around 30% of our veggie bundles, so if you love tomatoes, you’ll be spoiled for choice!

You can also choose from a wide variety of other fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, pantry staples, and more. No matter what you're in the mood for, we've got you covered.

Better yet, we'll deliver it straight to your door with no delivery fees. Now that's what we call tomato time.

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If you’re somebody who lives in Pittsburgh and you like the idea of having your groceries delivered, then we invite you to download our app today.

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