Did You Know?
Tomatoes were thought to be poisonous in Europe for 200 years after introduction — wealthy Europeans used lead plates that reacted with the acid, causing lead poisoning, not tomatoes.
Overview
· summer · spices
Tomato is botanically a fruit but culinarily a vegetable — versatile, sweet-acidic, and rich in umami, forming the base of countless cuisines from Italian sauce to Middle Eastern cooking.
Origin
summer
Season
Easy
Difficulty
spices
Category
Flavor Profile
Storage Tips
Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature stem-side up — refrigeration ruins texture and flavor; use within 3–5 days.
Photo Gallery
How to Cook with Tomato
Recipes, pairings, substitutes, and professional tips
Cooking Tips
Salt cut tomatoes and let drain for 30 minutes to concentrate flavor and reduce water; roasting tomatoes intensifies their sweetness dramatically.
Best Pairings
basilgarlicolive oilmozzarellaoreganoonion
Substitutes
Canned tomatoes (for cooking), sun-dried tomatoes (more intense), or red pepper paste
Nutrition & Health Benefits
The nutritional profile and health properties of Tomato
Nutrition Highlights
calories
18 kcal per 100g
key_nutrients
Lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, folate, antioxidants
Quick Facts
Categoryspices
Origin
Seasonsummer
DifficultyEasy
Health Benefits
Rich in lycopene (more available when cooked); antioxidant vitamin C; may reduce risk of heart disease and certain cancers; anti-inflammatory.
Tomato Photos
3 photos showcasing Tomato in its many forms
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Tomato
spices
Origin
Seasonsummer
DifficultyEasy
Flavor Notes
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Pairs Well With
basilgarlicolive oilmozzarellaoreganoonion
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