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tomatoes

ProducePeak season is summer (June–September in Northern Hemisphere), with local variation depending on climate and growing region. Greenhouse and imported production extends availability year-round in most markets.

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant, and vitamin C, with moderate potassium content and minimal calories. They are also a good source of folate and contain compounds linked to cardiovascular and bone health.

About

Tomatoes are the edible berries of Solanum lycopersicum, a flowering plant native to South America and domesticated in Mesoamerica. The fruit consists of a fleshy, seed-bearing structure with thin skin encasing a juicy interior filled with seeds suspended in a gel-like matrix. Tomatoes vary widely in size, shape, and color—from small cherry varieties to large beefsteak types, in hues of red, pink, yellow, orange, and green. The flavor profile ranges from sweet and mild to acidic and complex, depending on variety, ripeness, and growing conditions. Key cultivars include San Marzano (elongated, low-seed, prized for sauce), Beefsteak (large, meaty, ideal for slicing), Cherry (small, sweet), and Heirloom varieties (complex flavor, variable appearance).

Culinary Uses

Tomatoes are foundational to cuisines worldwide, used fresh in salads, salsas, and gazpachos, or cooked in sauces, soups, and stews. They are central to Italian (pasta sauces, risotto), Spanish (gazpacho, paella), Mexican (salsas, moles), and Mediterranean cuisines. Processed tomatoes—canned whole, crushed, or as paste—are pantry staples in professional and home kitchens. Tomatoes pair well with basil, garlic, olive oil, onions, and vinegar. They can be grilled, roasted, dried, or fermented, and are equally at home in raw preparations and long-cooked reductions.

Used In

Recipes Using tomatoes (796)

RCI-RC.004.0277.001

Spanish Rice II

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is

RCI-RC.006.0122.001

Spanish Rice with Bacon

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at

RCI-MT.004.0755.001

Spanish-style Chicken with Rice

Rice with Chicken, Spanish Style from the NDEP Recipe and Meal Planner Guide by the National Diabetes Education Program, public domain government resource—original source of recipe This is a good way to fit vegetables into your meal plan.

RCI-VG.004.1291.001

Spiced Bean Soup

This authentic Moroccan soup is perfect for vegetarians as a light meal or as an appetizer. This recipe serves 4.

RCI-VG.001.0556.001

Spiced Eggplant Salad

Spiced Eggplant Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0293.001

Spicy Beer Marinade

Spicy Beer Marinade from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0282.002

Spicy Chicken Stew

Tired of the same old stews? This will have your taste buds jumping right off your tongue!

RCI-MT.004.0760.001

Spicy Chilli Chicken

- cooked Kerala style.

RCI-SC.005.0163.001

Spicy Hot Salsa

American cuisine Mexican cuisine Southern cuisine vegetarian cuisine

RCI-VG.004.1310.001

Spicy Lentils

Spicy Lentils from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.005.0062.001

Spicy Seafood Stew

: 4

RCI-BR.008.0195.001

Spicy Vegetable Pancakes

.

RCI-SW.003.0074.001

Spicy Veggie Wrap

.

RCI-SP.003.0651.001

Spring Vegetable Soup with Matzo Balls

Spring Vegetable Soup with Matzo Balls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0241.001

Sri Lanka Beef Smore Stew

Sri Lanka Beef Smore Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0255.001

Steak and Peppers

This is a simple dish to throw together with leftover meat. I use frozen vegetarian steak strips, though sliced seitan, seared flank steak or any other protein would probably work.

RCI-MT.001.0265.001

Steak with Hot Sauce

Steak with Hot Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0348.001

Steiktar Heilagfiski

Baked halibut Steiktar Heilagfiski

RCI-MT.004.0772.001

Stir-fried Chicken Cantonese

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SN.003.0256.001

Stuffed Avocados

Avocados

RCI-MT.005.0290.001

Stuffed Celery

Stuffed Celery from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0230.001

Stuffed Eggplant

Fruit & Vegetable of the Month: Eggplant by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 4

RCI-VG.005.0235.001

Stuffed Marrows

Stuffed Marrows from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0581.001

Stuffed Mozzarella Salad

Stuffed Mozzarella Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0238.001

Stuffed Onions I

This recipe is from Yotam Ottolenghi's vegetarian cookbook "Plenty". uk Serves four.

RCI-VG.005.0240.001

Stuffed peppers

Makes 6 Servings

RCI-VG.005.0241.001

Stuffed Peppers

Makes 6 Servings

RCI-VG.005.0249.001

Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers

Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0250.001

Stuffed Tomatoes I

Stuffed Tomatoes I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.005.0245.001

Stuffed Tomatoes with Paneer and Vegetables

Colourful, tempting and tasty.

RCI-SC.007.0304.001

Sugar-free Chili Sauce

Yield: about 6 half pints. 1 tbsp.

RCI-SP.004.0295.001

Sunday Stewed Chicken

Purchased from Patterson Estate in Tyler, Texas in 1992. Dated 1944. Another tried and true recipe, although my family prefers it with breasts and drumsticks, so I buy those two pieces of the Chicken.

RCI-BR.006.0333.001

Suriname Chicken Pie

Suriname Chicken Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0590.001

Sweet and Sour Salad

Sweet & Sour Salad

RCI-SP.005.0247.001

Sweet Pea Soup

Sweet Pea Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0594.001

Tabbouleh Salad with Lemon-Garlic Dressing

Tabbouleh Salad with Lemon-Garlic Dressing from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 4

RCI-VG.001.0595.001

Tabbouli

Tabbouli from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0596.001

Taboulah

This recipe is for 5 servings.

Taco
RCI-SW.004.0046.001

Taco

This recipe is for tacos.

RCI-SW.004.0047.001

Taco Appetizers

This is a great appetizer dish, I have made it quite ofter for parties, never had a empty platter with this recipe, I am sure you will love this one.

RCI-VG.002.0189.001

Taco Taters featuring California Avocados!

Taco Taters featuring California Avocados! from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0359.001

Tagine of Seabass and Seasonal Vegetables

Recipe by Errant Gin Monks Wikified by Drimble Wedge

RCI-VG.004.1398.001

Tamara's Ratatouille

This recipe is from Yotam Ottolenghi's vegetarian cookbook "Plenty". uk Serves four.

RCI-SP.001.0137.001

Tameta Kothmir nu Shorbo

Recipe courtesy of Bal Bhadra Singh, Corporate Master Chef at Bandhani Restaurant at The Pride Hotel, Ahmedabad. Contributed by Indiancuisineandculture Y-Group ...

RCI-SP.005.0253.001

Tariwale Matar-Alu

Tariwale Matar-Alu

RCI-SP.005.0254.001

Taurus Chinese Chicken Curry

Always check the ingredients to make sure the product is vegan.

RCI-VG.004.1411.001

Texas Ranch-style Bean Taco Salad

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-RC.004.0298.001

Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 6 servings

RCI-SN.001.0394.001

Tex-Mex Dip

My mother has made this dip recipe for several parties and it is always a hit. Serve it warm with tortilla chips.

RCI-MT.004.0805.001

Tex-Mex Roasted Chicken

Contributed by Judi M. Phelps * Yield: 5 servings.