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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-ND.001.0051.001

Macaroni with Tomatoes and Summer Vegetables

Many of us know we need to eat whole grains, but what makes them so important? Whole grains are especially nutritious because they include all parts of the grain: the bran, endosperm and germ, which contain a variety of beneficial phytochemicals.

RCI-SF.005.0031.001

Mackerel Run Down

RCI-SC.005.0090.001

Madbucha

This is a salad originally from North Africa. It can be used as side dish, as well as put on bread.

RCI-SP.005.0140.001

Mafé

Mafé is one of the many variations of the African groundnut stew.

RCI-VG.004.0822.001

Maharagwe

Vegetable beans

RCI-VG.003.0080.001

Maharagwe I

Red beans

RCI-VG.005.0110.001

Mahshy

Stuffed eggplant with rice

RCI-ND.001.0052.001

Makaronada me Garides

Greek-style pasta with shrimps

RCI-SF.002.0164.001

Malagache Lobster with Rice

Malagache Shrimp with rice - Serves 25

RCI-SP.005.0141.001

Malagache Prawn and Chicken Curry

Malagache Prawn and Chicken curry - Serves 4

RCI-VG.004.0826.001

Malai Mixed Vegetable

Malai Mixed Vegetable is a creamy side dish for Indian bread.

RCI-SC.005.0091.001

Mango and Tomatillo Salsa

Fruits and Veggies Matter, Adult Recipe Cards by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—original source of recipe, public domain government resource This is not your everyday Latin salsa.

RCI-SC.007.0193.001

Mango BBQ Sauce

Mango BBQ Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.001.0228.001

Manhattan Catfish Chowder

A Catfish recipe. Serves 4.

Manhattan Clam Chowder
RCI-SP.003.0390.001

Manhattan Clam Chowder

Manhattan Clam Chowder is a soup traditionally made from clams, pork, herbs tomatoes and other vegetables. Despite its name, it originated in Rhode Island not Manhattan.

RCI-MT.004.0559.001

Marengo Cutlets with Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-MT.005.0160.001

Marengo Meat Balls with Rice

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.001.0369.001

Marinated Asparagus Salad

Marinated Asparagus Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0206.001

Mary's Tropical Gazpacho

Mary's Tropical Gazpacho from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0842.001

Masamba

This recipe may be prepared with kale, spinach, collards or pumpkin leaves.

RCI-VG.005.0116.001

Maschi

Stuffed tomato with Chopped (ground) Beef. ). The cucumbers are peeled, cut lengthwise, scooped out, filled and finished as below. You may also use Eggplants. Peel small Eggplants, remove the tops, scoop out interiors and proceed in the same manner.

RCI-VG.004.0847.001

Masoor Rajmani Dal

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

RCI-VG.004.0848.001

Masque Choux

New Orleans corn and red pepper sauté.

RCI-SP.005.0153.001

Matar Paneer I

Cottage cheese with green peas

RCI-VG.003.0081.001

Matki Chi Usal

Ethnicity - Marathi, West Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-SP.001.0079.001

Mealie Soup

Corn soup Serves 6

RCI-SP.003.0395.001

Meatball Soup

This soup beefs up the health by using chicken with lean beef to lower the fat.

RCI-SP.003.0399.001

Meatless Chili

Meatless Chili

RCI-SP.003.0401.001

Meat Stew

Meat Stew from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0212.001

Meat with Plantains

Meat with Plantains from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.002.0061.001

Mediterranean Pizza

Meterranean Pizza from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—oiginal source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 12

RCI-VG.004.0856.001

Mediterranean Rice and Bean Melange

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-SP.003.0406.001

Mediterranean-style Tomato Soup

This recipe meets the requirements for the new soy protein health claim! Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein per day may reduce the risk of heart disease. One serving provides 11 grams of soy protein.

RCI-VG.004.0862.001

Mee Goreng

Mee Goreng A Classic Mamak stir fry. Lots of fresh vegetables, a little minced mutton and high heat. The result? A dish with just a touch of the desired flavourful burnt. Served with a side dish of fresh cucumber and tomato sauce ... hmm ...

RCI-SP.003.0407.001

Meena's Easy Chicken Chili

Recipe by Hooked on Heat

RCI-VG.004.0865.001

Melitzanes Fournou

Baked Eggplants. Try them with a cheese garnish!

RCI-VG.004.0866.001

Melitzanes me Saltsa Karydia

Melitzanes me Saltsa Karydia Eggplant with tomato and nut sauce

RCI-VG.004.0868.001

Methi Tadka Dal

Methi Tadka Dal from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0409.001

Mexicali Bean and Chicken Soup

Mexicali Bean and Chicken Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0411.001

Mexican pot pie

Mexican pot pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.006.0044.001

Mexican Shrimp Gazpacho with Cucumber and Tomatoes

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 8 servings

RCI-VG.001.0389.001

Mexican-Style Summer Salad

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MGM Grand Spicy Jambalaya
RCI-RC.006.0081.001

MGM Grand Spicy Jambalaya

MGM Grand Spicy Jambalaya Here is the MGM Grand specialty Spicy Jambalaya. This is in a large quantity so you may want to consider cutting this one back in size.

RCI-SF.001.0244.001

Middle Eastern Tuna Salad

From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" Yield: 4 servings (about 3½ ounces tuna) From: The Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible

RCI-VG.004.0877.001

Mike's Bean and Rice Bake

Vegetarian | Vegan Cuisine

RCI-VG.004.0878.001

Mike's Saffron Rice and Beans

This recipe originally started as a vegetarian approximation to paella. It has since diverged from its resemblance to paella.

RCI-SP.003.0416.001

Minestra tal-Haxix

Vegetable soup Serves: 4

RCI-SP.003.0420.001

Minestrone Soup II

Serves 10-12; preparation time 20 minutes; cooking time 2 hours. The soup may also be frozen before the macaroni is added.

RCI-VG.004.0887.001

Mish Qingjji me Barbunja

Veal with large lima beans

RCI-VG.004.0892.001

Mixed Garden Casserole

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at