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Tomato

Tomato, juicy and full of flavor

Tomatoes are arguably one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. Although technically a fruit, they’re often treated as a vegetable in cooking. From a refreshing tomato and mozzarella salad to a rich pasta sauce or a classic tomato bruschetta, tomatoes bring a burst of fresh flavor to many dishes. Explore helpful tips and mouthwatering tomato recipes to elevate your cooking.

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Tomato recipes, classics

Tomatoes are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide range of ingredients. Here are some classic tomato recipes to try: 

  • Tomato salsa - A dip made with finely chopped tomatoes, onion, coriander and lime juice. Perfect with nachos, tacos or grilled meats. 
  • Caprese salad -Tomato, mozzarella and basil. A timeless classic, enhanced with a drizzle of quality olive oil. 
  • Stuffed tomatoes – Hollow out large tomatoes and fill them with couscous, feta and herbs. Bake until tender for a vibrant side dish. 
  • Shakshuka – A spiced tomato sauce in which eggs are poached. Add a bit of heat, serve with crusty bread and you’ve got the perfect brunch. 
  • Tomato tart – Puff pastry topped with tomato and a layer of cheese makes for an easy savoury tart that’s ideal for lunch or a snack.

Tomato varieties: the right tomato for every dish

Tomatoes come in all shapes and sizes and each type offers a unique flavour and purpose. Whether you’re making a soup, preparing a salad or cooking a sauce, the right tomato can make all the difference. 

  • Vine tomatoes – Firm and flavourful, these tomatoes keep well and are perfect for both raw dishes and cooking. Their rich taste adds depth to any recipe. 
  • Roma tomatoes – Oval-shaped with low moisture and plenty of flesh. Perfect for pasta sauces or tomato spreads or any dish that benefits from a thicker texture. 
  • Beef tomatoes – Large, juicy and with a soft texture. Great for stuffing or slicing thick for sandwiches or burgers. 
  • Cherry tomatoes – Small, sweet and bursting with flavor, cherry tomatoes are great for snacking, roasting or adding to salads for a pop of sweetness. 
  • Coeur de boeuf – A distinctive, ribbed tomato with a soft and slightly sweet flavour. This tomato is delicious raw in salads or on bruschetta. 
  • Sun-dried tomatoes – While not a tomato variety, sun-dried tomatoes are a beloved ingredient. They add a rich, savoury flavor to pasta, tapenade or salads. 

Tomatoes differ not only in flavor, but also in texture, juiciness and bite. Experiment with different varieties and discover what best suits your recipe and taste preferences.

How to prepare tomatoes?

Stewing tomatoes

For a rich, flavorful sauce or soup, try stewing tomatoes. Simply cut them into pieces, remove the seeds preferred, allow them to simmer gently. 

Enhanced the flavour by adding onion, garlic and herbs like oregano or basil for extra depth. Let the mixture stew for at least 20 minutes to fully develop and release the tomatoes’ rich, savory flavor.

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Tomatoes in the oven

Need to prepare tomatoes quickly? 

Cut them into wedges and briefly fry them in your dish, adding them at the very end to prevent them from falling apart. In stir-fries, they bring a burst of juicy freshness and elevate the overall flavour.

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Stir-frying tomatoes

Need to prepare tomatoes quickly? 

Cut them into wedges and briefly fry them in your dish, adding them at the very end to prevent them from falling apart. In stir-fries, they bring a burst of juicy freshness and elevate the overall flavor.

tomato stir fry

Grilling tomatoes (on the bbq)

Grilled tomatoes develop a subtle smoky flavor and tender texture. For larger tomatoes, cut them in half or thread cherry tomatoes onto a skewer. 

Grill for a few minutes on each side until you see light grill marks and enjoy their smoky sweetness.

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Delicious
recipes
with tomatoes

Spinach ricotta gnocchi with roasted cherry tomatoes
Cook time
20 minutes
Slow-cooked naked tomatoes on whipped feta
Cook time
120 minutes
Vegetable Turrets with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Pesto, and a Crispy Topping
Cook time
20 minutes
Tomato salad with roasted chickpeas
Cook time
30 minutes
Sweet potato chips with burrata and grilled tomatoes
Cook time
35 minutes
Fried burrata on tomato sauce
Cook time
45 minutes
Spinach balls with homemade tomato salsa
Cook time
35 minutes
Tomato salad with pesto dressing
Cook time
20 minutes
Tiny Toms bruschetta
Cook time
20 minutes
Easy quiche recipe with tomatoes
Cook time
45 minutes
More delicious recipes

Know your veg

Buying and storing Flavour pairings Hacks and tips Tomatoes in season
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Buying and storing tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes should feel firm and have a shiny skin. Avoid tomatoes with dents or soft spots. Store tomatoes outside the fridge – refrigeration dulls their flavour.

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Best flavour pairings with tomato

  • Vegetables: bell pepper, zucchini, eggplant, onion
  • Herbs and spices: basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic, cumin
  • Dairy: mozzarella, feta, cream, parmesan cheese
  • Nuts and seeds: pine nuts, walnuts
  • Other: balsamic vinegar, olive oil, anchovies, capers
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Tomato hacks

  • Got extra tomatoes? Turn them into a quick tomato sauce and freeze it for later. It’s a real time-saver on busy days – just reheat, and you’ve got a delicious pasta sauce ready to go!
     
  • Cherry tomatoes make the perfect snack: fresh, healthy and easy on-the-go. Packed with vitamin C and potassium. Great for on the go!
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When are tomatoes in season?

Tomatoes are typically in season May to October, with the peak season occurring during the summer months of July to September.

Frequently
Asked
Questions
Tomatoes

Although tomatoes are often treated as vegetables in cooking, they are technically a fruit. They contain seeds and grow from the flower of the plant, just like other fruits.
Tomatoes are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to various health benefits, such as a reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

Unlike many fruits, tomatoes have lower sugar and fiber content. For example, a medium-sized tomato contains about 3 grams of sugar, whereas an apple typically contains 10-20 grams.

Whether eaten warm or cold, tomatoes contribute to a healthy diet. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and folate, and contain a powerful antioxidant, lycopene. Lycopene helps protect your body from damage caused by free radicals and is associated with a lower risk of cancer and better heart health.
The redder the tomato, the higher the lycopene content. Interestingly, cooking or baking tomatoes enhances the availability of lycopene, making it easier for the body to absorb.

Cherry tomatoes are small, sweet and perfect for snacking or adding to salads for a burst of flavour. Like other tomatoes, they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin, as well as as potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure.