Produce & Recipes

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Tomatoes

Many of what are now called heirloom tomatoes (Green Zebra, Marvel Stripe, Yellow Pear, etcetera) were not, in fact, varieties available before 1900. However, these heirloom tomatoes have all been bred for cultivation by family farmers and home gardeners --- and not for the grace and favor of agribusiness (i.e. ease of handling, canning, and long-distance travel).

Cooked tomatoes are about the best source on the planet of the caretenoid lycopene, an anti-cancer compound (watermelons rank in distant second-place for lycopenes).

 

Storage Tips

   Tomatoes should -never- be refrigerated, as refrigeration dehydrates flavor out of what were once called love apples. 

   Storing whole tomatoes - Always store whole tomatoes unwashed. Be sure to keep the tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C. Like all fresh fruits and vegetables, tomatoes are an important part of a healthy diet – they provide vitamins, minerals and fiber to help keep your body healthy.

    When storing or ripening tomatoes at room temperature, keep them separate from household chemicals.