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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-SP.004.0317.001

Ugandan Chicken Stew

This chicken stew illustrates the differences in seasonings in various parts of East Africa. This one, rather bland, is from Uganda; an other, hot version is from Tanzania.

RCI-VG.003.0116.001

Ugandan Vegetable Casserole

The variations possible with this colorful vegetable casserole are endless. Either make it with the vegetables listed here or substitute your own favorites.

RCI-SP.005.0279.001

Ujeni Ndiwo

" This ndiwo is not Malawian, but is made with ingredients readily available in Malawi, and can provide a bit of variety for volunteers tired of eating a repetitious diet of tomatoes and onions.

RCI-VG.004.1473.001

Ukrainian Borscht

Ukrainian Cuisine is a vegetable soup with beetroots as its characteristic ingredient.

RCI-SF.001.0393.001

Ukrainian Fish Salad

Ukrainian Fish Salad

RCI-SN.001.0424.001

Ultimate Mexican Guacamole

Ultimate Mexican Guacamole from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0710.001

Unique Healthy Chili

* Source: www.sparkpeople.com submitted by SparkPeople user LONGWAY2GO. * Number of Servings: 6

RCI-ND.001.0124.001

Valentino's Peasant-style Spaghetti

From Valentino's in Santa Monica From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Source: my old recipes Serves 4

RCI-SP.004.0319.001

Veal and Vegetable Stew

Veal and Vegetable Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.002.0118.001

Vegan Delight Panini

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RCI-VG.004.1484.001

Vegetable Biryani I

Vegetable Biryani I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.003.0289.001

Vegetable Canape

right|Vegetable Canape

RCI-RC.006.0143.001

Vegetable Couscous

Vegetable Couscous 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-SP.005.0282.001

Vegetable Curry I

Vegetable curry

RCI-SP.003.0713.001

Vegetable Gumbo

Updated old family favorite - Alice in Houston via A.Broaddus

RCI-VG.004.1486.001

Vegetable Hotch-Potch

Vegetable Hotch-Potch from the Recidemia collection

RCI-RC.001.0231.001

Vegetable Paella I

Vegetable Paella I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.003.0290.001

Vegetable Patch Pizza

This is a recipe I obtained from an Estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Tinsley Estate in Venus, Texas in 1987.

RCI-VG.004.1490.001

Vegetables à la Grecque

A great Greek dish that can be served cold or hot. The dish is best when fresh new vegetables are plentiful.

RCI-SP.002.0222.001

Vegetable Soup with Sour Cream

In Romanian: Supa de zarzavat cu smantana

RCI-ND.004.0034.001

Vegetable Thukpa

Vegetable Thukpa

RCI-SP.003.0719.001

Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian Chili from the Public Health Cookbook, Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, in the public domain Cook Time: Approximately 30 minutes Serves: 6

RCI-SP.003.0721.001

Vegetarian Crumbles Chili

From: The Duke Diet Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes Servings: 4

RCI-RC.004.0319.001

Vegetarian Jambalaya

Vegetarian Jambalaya from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1504.001

Vegetarian Lentil Stuffed Tomatos

Vegetarian Lentil Stuffed Tomatos from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.006.0082.001

Vegetarian Pad Thai

Vegetarian Pad Thai from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.005.0278.001

Vegetarian Pepper Bowls

Recipe from United Soybean Board

RCI-SP.003.0724.001

Vegetarians Chili

Vegetarians chili

RCI-SP.002.0223.001

Vegetarian-style Zucchini-Tomato Soup

Love Zukes? Try this Zoup. Zowie!

RCI-VG.004.1507.001

Vegetarian Tomato Hash

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hager Estate in Canton, Texas in 1982.

RCI-RC.004.0320.001

Victory Rice Salad

Makes 8 servings

RCI-SC.001.0067.001

Vodka Sauce by Shakerpenguin

Submitted by shakerpenguin Uploaded by madaslue SO. Inspired by the vodka sauce thread, and the couple recipes posted there (thanks squirrellypoo), I decided to make pasta tonight.

RCI-VG.005.0281.001

Warm Quinoa and Zucchini-stuffed Tomatoes

.

RCI-SF.002.0302.001

West Coast Shrimp Stir-fry

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.004.1529.001

White Bean and Bacon Soup

This recipe came from an estate sale. It was obtained when the family collection was purchased from the Burnett Estate in Terrell, Texas in 1981.

RCI-RC.001.0236.001

Wolof Rice

Steak stew with rice

RCI-SP.004.0331.001

Woodsy Mushroom Goulash

Woodsy Mushroom Goulash from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0734.001

Wyoming Tortilla Soup

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Barger Estate in Mckinney, Texas in 1997.

RCI-VG.001.0663.001

Yemeni Eggplant Salad with Currants

Yemeni Eggplant Salad with Currants from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1550.001

Yemiser W'et

Spicy lentil stew

RCI-SP.003.0746.001

Zelenchukova Supa

Zelenchukova Supa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-ND.001.0131.001

Zucchini and Squash Meat Sauce

Zucchini and Squash Meat Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.1562.001

Zucchini Casserole

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Mrs. Ronal

RCI-BR.008.0240.001

Zucchini Pancakes topped with Diced Tomatoes

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-VG.001.0670.001

Zucchini Salad I

In Romanian: Salata de dovlecei I

RCI-SP.003.0751.001

Zuppa di Riso e Vegetali

Makes 2 generous servings