Explore this page for tips on how to select, store and prepare tomatoes.
- Select It
- Store It
- Reduce Food Waste
- Prepare It
- Did You Know?
- Recipes
- Also In Season
Select It
Look for plump tomatoes with smooth skin and a sweet smell. They should feel slightly firm. Avoid buying tomatoes that are mushy, bruised or have broken skin.
Store It
- Do not wash until ready to eat.
- Store on the counter away from direct sunlight for up to 7 days. Tomatoes taste best when not refrigerated.
- Place green tomatoes in a brown paper bag with a ripe piece of fruit to ripen faster.
- Store cut or cooked tomatoes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 months raw or cooked.
Reduce Food Waste
Tomatoes that are cracked are still good! Just cut out the cracked parts and eat the rest.
Source: Save the Food
Prepare It
- Enjoy right off the vine! Always wash before cutting.
- To slice a tomato, place it on its side. Using a large serrated knife, slice off the top of the tomato. Then cut the tomato into thin slices.
- To cut tomato wedges, cut the tomato in half using a large serrated knife. Then cut it again to make quarters.
- Use fresh or canned tomatoes in soups, stews, rice dishes and chili for a great taste.
- Add fresh tomatoes to everyday foods like tacos, burritos, sandwiches and salads.
Did You Know?
A tomato is actually a fruit! They are classified as a fruit because they contain seeds and grow from the flower of the tomato plant.
c Tomatoes help your body heal cuts and wounds, and help lower your risk of infection because they contain Vitamin C.
a Tomatoes help maintain good vision, fight infection and keep your skin healthy because they contain Vitamin A.
Click here for more information about tomatoes.
Click here for a printable page with lots of info about tomatoes.
Recipes
Easy Turkey Skillet Dinner
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray or preferred vegetable oil
¾ pound lean ground turkey
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
3 tomatoes, chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon each dried basil, oregano, and garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 medium zucchinis, sliced
Serving
Makes 4 servings. 1 cup per serving
Time
30 minutes
Directions
- Spray nonstick cooking spray or vegetable oil in a large skillet.
- Brown turkey and onion over medium heat until turkey is cooked through and onion is soft, about 10 minutes.
- Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Add zucchini and cook for 5 more minutes. Serve hot.
Variations
For a vegetarian option, use lentils, brown rice or other whole grains.