Tomatoes are an incredibly power packed food. Because this fruit contains lycopene, studies have shown that it helps to reduce the risk of many cancers including stomach, prostate and lung. In addition, the tomato is an excellent source of vitamins C and A. So if your garden blesses you with a bundle of fresh tomatoes, it’s your job to put them to use in as many ways as you can.
A frugal and eco-friendly way to live is to ensure that all of your homegrown produce is eaten before it rots. Below are some simple meals and recipes that feature tomatoes.
Fresh Salsa
Salsa can be made quickly, and it goes with chips, crackers, wraps, salads and tacos. You can even eat it plain when you’re on the go. For a quick and dirty salsa, put tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, cilantro, black pepper and a spoon of olive oil in a blender. You can create a varying texture, depending on whether you prefer it chunky or soupy.
Homemade Catsup
Catsup is great on veggie burgers and fries, but some people enjoy it on a variety of other foods too. The basic ingredients of this condiment are tomatoes, sugar, dry mustard, allspice, cider vinegar, salt, black pepper and cloves.
Chunky Stew
You can always add tomatoes to your favorite soups, especially ones that already have a variety of vegetables in them. Or you can create a tomato base.
Mama’s Pasta Sauce
Do you have a family member’s famous pasta sauce recipe? Well, try your hand at it. Then you can jar it and have it ready for future use. Just think of all of the whole wheat pasta, gnocchi and bow tie pasta you can eat all year round.
Freezer Storage
Don’t forget that you can always store whole tomatoes in the freezer. Then when you make your soup, stew or pasta sauce in the winter, you can have fresh tomatoes from your garden. Plus, the skin comes off the tomato easier after it’s been frozen.
In addition to all of these ideas, you can also create tomato juice, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes or chop them up for sandwiches, wraps and crackers. The tomato can be so versatile, and it will nourish your body too!
