Tomato Guide: How to cut tomatoes the right way…
In this tomato guide you’ll learn the right way to cut tomatoes, foods to pair tomatoes with, the perfect season for tomatoes, how to store them, health benefits of tomatoes and some of my favorite tomato recipes.
When cutting tomatoes, the most important thing is to make sure you’re using a sharp knife, preferably a serrated one (one with teeth). This will make it easier to cut into the tomato without squishing it.
Slice:
Turn the tomato sideways so the stem is facing right or left. Using a serrated knife, start on one side and slice rounds at desired thickness.
Dice:
Cut tomato in half from stem to bottom. Place one half, flat side down and slice into crescents or thin strips. Holding the cut tomato together, turn it sideways and make perpendicular cuts along the strips cutting the tomato into diced cubes. Try to keep the space between cuts even so pieces will end up roughly the same size.
Halve Cherry Tomatoes:
(This is one of my favorite food prep tricks.)
Instead of slicing each cherry tomato one at a time, use a small round lid (like one from a leftover takeout containers) and place it over the tomatoes. Hold the lid in place to keep the tomatoes inside in the edges of the lid and slice (using a serrated knife) along sideways through the tomatoes.
What to pair tomatoes with…
Basil, oregano, chive, chili powder, cilantro, garlic, cucumber, squash, corn, watermelon, strawberry, bell pepper, beet, avocado
How to store tomatoes…
Store out on the counter at room temperature away from sunlight. Tomatoes can lose their flavor when stored in the fridge.
The best season to buy tomatoes is…
Summer!
Health benefits of tomatoes include…
Tomatoes are high in antioxidants and are particularly known to be an outstanding source of lycopene, which recent studies have shown to be an important nutrient for bone health. They’re also high in vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E and manganese. Tomatoes have also long been associated with improved heart health because they lower cholesterol and triglycerides. They also reduce your risk for certain cancers (particularly and most researched: prostate, breast and pancreatic) because of their high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammaotry properties.
Tomato Recipes…
Thai Curried Chickpeas with Coconut Rice
Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs
