You say Tomato, I Say… Nutritious!

Juicy, delicious, the essence of summer itself and so good for you, tomatoes are a great source of antioxidant vitamins A and C (the highest concentration of which is found in the jellylike material surrounding the seeds) and lycopenes, phytochemicals that help fight cancer. The summer and fall are the peak of tomato season and at Woodlands, you will find so many luscious varieties that you’ll want to enjoy them every day. With their just-picked flavor, you can showcase them in simple but irresistible ways.

Tomato and Onion Salad

The oldest and most traditional way of eating fresh tomatoes (as well as the purest) is when they are just picked and simply sprinkled with salt. The Sicilians call this Pomodoro a Strica-Sale (or "tomato rubbed with salt"). This preparation can be made into a little plated salad by drizzling it with olive oil. Here’s how:

Sprinkle sliced fresh ripe tomatoes with a little dried or fresh oregano, and/or fresh basil, salt and pepper. Drizzle with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add a few thin slices of fresh, not-too-strongly flavored red onion. If you want to add greens, try arugula and/or watercress. Serve with a crusty bread for dipping into the juices.

Tomato Salad with Corn and Basil
Adapted from Janet Fletcher’s Fresh From the Farmer's Market
Serves 4

Make this salad with a combination of tomatoes in different sizes and colors and you create a salad that is the essence of summer.

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 shallot, minced
Salt and pepper
1 pound mixed tomatoes, in different colors and sizes
½ cup fresh corn kernels
1 dozen fresh basil leaves

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, wine vinegar and shallot. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside for 15 minutes for the flavors to blend.

Core large tomatoes. Halve through the stem end, lay cut side down and slice thinly. Halve cherry tomatoes. Arrange tomatoes attractively on a large serving platter, interspersing the different colors and putting the cherry tomatoes on top. Sprinkle corn kernels over the tomatoes. Tear basil leaves in small pieces and scatter over all. Spoon dressing evenly over the salad.

For additional Summer Tomato Salad recipes, drop by the Customer Information Center.