Tomatoes are popular in so many cultures all over the world. No matter where you live, tomatoes can be the best thing you ever ate or the worst. Too much water causes splitting and rot. Lack of vitamins and minerals from poor soil causes bland tomatoes. Bugs love tomatoes as much as I do. I keep organic so there will always be some bugs. I just keep them to a minimum.
Here are some interesting tomato facts ever gardener should know:
Studies have indicated that pairing tomatoes with other foods can bring out the best nutritional value each has to offer. Cooked tomatoes combined with broccoli or other cruciferous veggies pack a double punch of antioxidants. Vitamin C in raw tomatoes aids in iron intake from spinach. Healthy fat in avocados and olive oil helps our bodies absorb tomatoes’ valuable nutrients, boosting the immune system.
The most flavorful tomatoes peak at night or first thing in the morning. That’s the best time for harvest.
Pick tomatoes when all green disappears for richest flavor.
Never store tomatoes in the refrigerator. Refrigerated tomatoes lose their vine ripened taste.
Is your tomato still a bit green but might split? Pick questionable tomatoes and ripen indoors.
This popular fruit packs a nutritious punch. A Tomato a day keeps the doctor away!
As a professional cook, I love creating exciting new recipes on the job as well as at home. Assisting in teaching low-income families how to buy, store and prepare healthy food through Penn State’s alliance with Pennsylvania’s Supercupboard Program was very rewarding. During my 11 years with the Master Gardener program, I taught horticultural therapy to assisted living patients using healthful, fr esh grown food as a focal point. . My hands-on programs and instruction helped hundreds of children and adults learn about where their food comes from and how important fresh food is for your body. Currently I’m a cook at a college in Pennsylvania. We prepare everything we can from scratch, including our potato chips that tout the seasoning of the day! Of course I write about food; it's in my blood!
Cindy's Recipes and Writings
