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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-SF.002.0145.001

Green Papaya and Shrimp Salad

Green Papaya and Shrimp Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.001.0121.001

Green Pepper Steak and Rice

Makes 6 servings

RCI-VG.001.0276.001

Green Salad I

Green Salad I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0627.001

Grilled Ratatouille with Chickpeas

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RCI-MT.001.0128.001

Grilled Rib Eyes with Mango Salsa

Grilled Rib Eyes with Mango Salsa from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.004.0028.001

Grilled Steak Fajitas

Casual dining outdoors - what could be better? In this recipe, meat, veggies, even the flour tortillas are prepared on the grill. So fire it up and invite a few friends.

RCI-SW.002.0050.001

Grilled Tomato Sandwiches

Fruit & Vegetable Recipes II by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Cook Time: Serves: 4

RCI-SF.001.0180.001

Grilled Tuna with Corn, Tomato and Zucchini

Contributed by Healthy R

RCI-SP.005.0108.001

Ground Nut Chop

Ground Nut Chop from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.005.0070.001

GROUNDNUT SAUCE

Vegetables, singly or in combination, compose many East African stews. Frequently, legumes of some sort are one of the basic ingredients - peanuts, for instance, or dried beans. This Peanut sauce is Ugandan.

RCI-SP.003.0300.001

Groundnut Soup I

Serves 4

RCI-SP.005.0109.001

Ground Nut Stew

"Ground nuts" is the Nigerian name for peanuts.

RCI-SP.004.0160.001

Groundnut Stew II

Groundnut Stew

RCI-PF.001.0015.001

Guyanese Achar

Guyanese Achar from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0164.002

Gyuvetch

Gyuvetch from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0144.001

Habanero Bahamian Hot Sauce

Here's a recipe for Habanero chiles. It is the November recipe on a chile calendar that I have. I've been meaning to try this one but I've been very busy.

RCI-SC.001.0026.001

Habanero Relish

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

RCI-SP.004.0166.001

Haitian Ratatouille

Haitian Ratatouille from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0167.001

Haitian Spicy Beef Stew

Haitian Spicy Beef Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0289.001

Haitian Tomato Salad

Haitian Tomato Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.002.0054.001

Hamburger

Hamburger is a deviation of a sandwhich, commonly involving a ground beef patty.

RCI-SP.003.0309.001

Hawaiian Stew

Very little preparation time for something so delicious.

RCI-SP.005.0113.001

Heart Healthy Chicken Chili

This recipe includes diced canned tomatoes which is rich in lycopene and is one of the most potent antioxidants.

RCI-SP.004.0168.001

Heart Healthy Gazpacho

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RCI-SP.003.0315.001

Hearty Meaty Chili Beans

a hearty and delicious chili that the biggest of meat lover will enjoy!

RCI-SP.003.0317.001

Hearty Sausage Rice Stew

Makes 6 servings

RCI-VG.005.0070.001

Heidelberg Wurstsalat

Heidelberg Wurstsalat

RCI-VG.004.0656.001

Hen with Green Beans

In Romanian: Gaina cu fasole verde

RCI-MT.004.0454.001

Hen with Okra

In Romanian: Gaina cu bame

RCI-MT.004.0456.001

Hen with Tarragon

In Romanian: Gaina cu tarhon

RCI-MT.004.0458.001

Herb-roasted Chicken

Contributed by Pressurecookerrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SP.003.0326.001

Himalayan Vegetable-Noodle Stew

Himalayan Vegetable-Noodle Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0468.001

Honduran Pollo con Salsa

Chicken in sauce

RCI-VG.001.0304.001

Horiatiki I

Horiatiki Serves 4 persons

RCI-VG.001.0305.001

Horiatiki Salata

This is a recipe by a famous greek chef, Elias Mamalakis, who is now days very popular to the greek public not only for his recipes but also for his spirit.

RCI-SW.002.0058.001

Hot Chicken Subs

Hot Chicken Subs

RCI-SP.003.0331.001

Hot Chili I

Original recipe Yields 7 servings, each one equal to 1 cup

RCI-VG.004.0673.001

Hot Lentil Soup

You can also use red or yellow lentils, which require less cooking time

RCI-MT.005.0126.001

Hot Monterrey Bake

Makes 8 servings.

Huevos Rancheros
RCI-EG.002.0041.002

Huevos Rancheros

Huevos Rancheros (Spanish for "eggs ranch-style") is a traditional Mexican country breakfast that is well known as one of the tastiest ways to eat an egg.

RCI-EG.002.0041.001

Huevos Rancheros

Huevos Rancheros (Spanish for "eggs ranch-style") is a traditional Mexican country breakfast that is well known as one of the tastiest ways to eat an egg.

RCI-VG.004.0691.001

Ifisashi

Zambia's version of the "Greens in Peanut Sauce" found all over Central and Southern Africa, Ifisashi, is usually a vegetarian greens and peanuts dish. However, meat can be added if any is handy.

RCI-SN.001.0225.001

Ikra Ovoshchnaia

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Gingham Estate in Fort Worth, Texas in 1992.

RCI-VG.005.0078.001

Imam Baildi

Imam Baildi is also known as stuffed eggplant.

RCI-VG.005.0079.001

Imam Baildi I

Baked eggplants with tomatoes, onions and garlic Imam Baildi

RCI-VG.004.0693.001

Imam Bayildi I

Vegetarian stuffed eggplant Serves 4

RCI-VG.004.0697.001

Indian Beans

Vegan cuisine

RCI-VG.002.0064.001

Indian Potatoes

Vegan Cuisine

RCI-SP.004.0182.001

Irish Stout Pot Roast

Great served with salad and biscuits.

RCI-VG.004.0705.001

Israeli Bean Soup

Israeli Bean Soup from the Recidemia collection