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Tomatoes

Tomatoes are fruit vegetables. They are one of the most important ingredients in all cuisines; they have made their way through thousands of recipes. They can be used fresh or blended or in the form of a paste. They are used in salads, sandwiches, sauces, stuffing, or even marinating.

Buying tip

Select the ones that are well-shaped, bright-colored, shiny, have smooth skin and have no bruises or cuts. For ripe tomatoes, they shall be bright red and not mushy. Also pick tomatoes with the necks (stems) attached, they stay longer..

Best season

Tomatoes are available all-year round, but different kinds are available at different times of the year with different prices. The best season to get firm, red and good-priced tomatoes is from May till October.

Remove the green part of the stem from the top of tomatoes. Wash tomatoes under running water. If you’re not going to peel them, then wash with a sponge and soap then rinse well under running water.

Peeling tomatoes

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1.	Make a small cut at the bottom of the tomato.

2.	Dip tomatoes in boiling water for 15-20 seconds or you can pour boiling water over them in a bowl and keep for ½ a minute.

3.	Dip tomatoes in a bowl of iced (or cold water).

4.	Remove the skin with your fingers; it will come off smoothly.

Seeding tomatoes

It is preferable to seed peeled tomatoes, but the same method applies on unpeeled tomatoes. Cut tomato in half lengthwise or crosswise. Remove the seeds with the tip of a knife, with a spoon, or with your fingers.

Blending tomatoes

Wash tomatoes and remove stem from the top. It is always preferred to peel and seed tomatoes before blending. Cut tomatoes into wedges, cubes or any other shape. Put in a blender or food processor. Add little water; for every medium tomato, add 2 tsp water.

Storing tomatoes

People usually store tomatoes in the refrigerator drawer, but it is preferable to store tomatoes fresh and unwashed at room temperature away from direct sunlight but only for a few days. Store in the fridge only during the summer since room temperature shall be very hot for it.

Freezing and defrosting tomatoes

Freeze tomatoes only when blended. Don’t freeze whole or cut tomatoes. Put in a plastic bag or box with a cover, remove excess air, close well and place in freezer.

To defrost, just get the bag or box out of freezer and leave it until ice melts.