RECIPESPRODUCTSPANTRYSHOPPING

Tomato

Tomatoes are a versatile fruit, often used and treated as a vegetable in various cuisines worldwide. They originated in western South America and have become a staple ingredient in many culinary dishes. Ranging from small cherry tomatoes to big juicy beefsteaks, these fruits come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, providing a wide array of flavors, textures, and nutrients. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and the antioxidant lycopene, offering numerous health benefits. In everyday home cooking, tomatoes can be enjoyed fresh in salads, sandwiches, and salsas or cooked in a variety of dishes such as pasta sauces, casseroles, stews, and soups. Their natural acidity and sweetness make them a great base for other flavors. When selecting tomatoes, opt for ones that are firm and vibrant in color with no blemishes, as these will provide the best taste and nutritional value. Due to their seasonal nature, canned tomatoes can be a great alternative when fresh tomatoes are not available or for specific recipes that require a more concentrated flavor.
#5
IN FRESH VEGETABLES
18
CAL / 100G
$0.12
AVG / OZ
tomato
78%
CARBS
4%
FAT
18%
PROTEIN
Tomato FAQ
In cooking, tomatoes are often used for their versatile flavor, which can be both sweet and acidic. One common problem when cooking with tomatoes is the balance of these flavors - too much can lead to a dish being too tart, while too little can result in a bland dish. Experimentation is key to find the right balance. Cooking tomatoes can expand their flavor profile and enhance their nutritional benefits. However, overcooking can destroy some of the essential nutrients it contains. When it comes to peeling tomatoes, many people struggle, but an easy trick is to blanch them in boiling water for a minute, then cool in an ice bath - the skin will come right off. Another creative usage of tomatoes is oven roasting them until semi-dried, which concentrates their flavor and creates a unique addition to salads or pasta dishes.
Why are my cooked tomatoes bitter?
How do you sweeten a dish that has too much tomato acidity?
How to choose ripe tomatoes?
Why do my canned tomatoes taste metallic?
How can I thicken tomato sauce without using a thickener?
What can I substitute for a tomato in a recipe?
What does salting tomatoes do?
How to remove tomato skins easily?
Can you eat the green part of tomatoes?
Why are my fresh tomatoes mushy?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does tomato expire?
For room temperature, tomatoes generally last for a week if they are ripe and uncut. Once cut, a tomato should last for about two-three days if refrigerated. In the fridge, an uncut tomato can last for two weeks. For a frozen tomato, it can last up to eight months in a standard kitchen freezer. Remember, freezing changes the texture of tomatoes making them useful in cooked dishes only when thawed.
How do you tell if tomato is bad?
A tomato that has gone bad usually has a spoiled smell and starts developing mold. It might become slimy and probably will also get a wrinkled or shriveled skin if it's overripe. If the inside of the tomato has black or brown spots, it has probably begun to rot. Discard such a tomato to avoid any health issues.
Tips for storing tomato to extend shelf life
• The best way to store tomatoes is at room temperature, away from direct sunlight until ripe. • Avoid refrigerating tomatoes until they are fully ripe or cut. Cold temperatures slow down ripening and can diminish the flavor. • When storing cut tomatoes, place them in a covered container in the refrigerator. Using a silicone cover can help prevent spoilage and keep the tomato fresh longer. • If freezing, consider removing the skins (they become tough when frozen) and freezing them in a container to prevent freezer burn. • Another handy trick to extend the shelf life is to store tomatoes stem down, which helps prevent air from entering and moisture from exiting the scar where the tomato was once attached to the vine.
EXPIRES WITHIN
11 - 21
DAYS
Health Info
Macros
4g
CARBS
0g
FAT
1g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
KETO
PALEO
WHOLE 30
MEDITERRANEAN
LOW CARB
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
GLUTEN FREE
Recipes with what you have
Download Cooklist
Get the app to track inventory, save recipes, build meal plans and order groceries from local stores.
Scan to download
QR Code