tomatoes
EatingWell

Vegetable Wise: Tomatoes

Known as a "love-apple" in its early history, the summer tomato is worthy of the name. Bursting with nutrients, loaded with flavor -- what's not to love?

Vitamin A, lycopene, potassium and folate are among the tomato's nutritional charms, but most folks know it for its vitamin C. In fact, the C content of tomatoes fresh-picked in season (June through October) may be twice as much as that of tomatoes picked November to May. And although cooked tomatoes have less vitamin C, their lycopene is more available and antioxidant activity is undiminished.

Heirloom tomatoes are all the rage these days, but if you've only got the plain old "regular" tomato -- the kind that some people call "supermarket reds" -- that's fine too. Use what's on hand for these delicious dishes, and feel the love.

Click the Gallery tab for healthy tomato recipes.

More Tomato Recipes and Tips from KitchenDaily


Recipes and article by EatingWell Test Kitchen; gallery copy by Megan O. Steintrager
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Healthy Tomato Recipes

Whole wheat bread and reduced-fat mayo make for a healthier version of classic tea sandwiches. Get the Tomato and Basil Finger Sandwiches recipe.

Healthy Tomato Recipes

In this uncooked sauce, healthy tomatoes are joined by flavorful (and good-fat filled) olives and olive oil, antioxidant-rich fresh herbs and part-skim mozzarella (a good source of protein and calcium). The quick and easy sauce is a great topper for pasta or bruschetta.
Get the Raw Tomato Sauce recipe.

Healthy Tomato Recipes

Corn and tomatoes are at their sweetest and most flavorful during summer -- here they're combined with fresh herbs and shallots in a simple side. Shallots are in the same family as onions and garlic -- these "alliums" pack serious health benefits, including cancer-fighting properties.
Get the Corn and tomato saute recipe.

Healthy Tomato Recipes

Protein-rich beans turn this tomato salad into a hearty and healthy meal.
Get the Bean and Tomato Salad with Honey Vinaigrette recipe.

Healthy Tomato Recipes

Just a little Parmesan cheese gives these baked tomatoes a wonderful flavor boost, without adding a lot of fat, cholesterol or calories.
Get the Baked Parmesan tomatoes recipe.

Healthy Tomato Recipes

Choose cherry tomatoes in several colors for these attractive, party-ready skewers. Basil is more than just a pretty garnish: It's a great source of a number of vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin A, which is well-known for its role in helping to protect vision.
Get the Tomato and Basil Skewers recipe.

Healthy Tomato Recipes

These baked tomatoes -- which are stuffed with lean ground beef or turkey, brown rice, vegetables and cheese and then topped with breadcrumbs -- make a satisfying meal.
Get the Stuffed Tomatoes with Golden Crumb Topping recipe.

Healthy Tomato Recipes

Cooked tomatoes are a good source of lycopene, a phytonutrient that studies suggest may help fight certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer. (Raw tomatoes also have lycopene, but not as much as cooked tomatoes).
Get the Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta recipe.

Healthy Tomato Recipes

If a wheat intolerance or allergy means you have to avoid bread, try using hollowed-out tomatoes to serve tuna, chicken or shrimp salad.
Get the Shrimp Salad-Stuffed Tomatoes recipe.

Healthy Tomato Recipes

Tomatoes are a great source of immune-system bolstering vitamin C. In this recipe, they're joined by the zest of a better-known C powerhouse -- the orange.
Get the Roasted Cod, Tomatoes, Orange and Onions recipe.

Healthy Tomato Recipes