Tomatoes are the July Harvest of the Month

Perhaps the healthiest ingredient on your slice of pizza, tomatoes are a nutritious and delicious compliment to a variety of meals. Some studies have shown that eating tomatoes can protect your immune system, heart, lungs and vision.

From sauces to soups or subs to salads, it’s easy to find a tomato-containing recipe that the whole family will enjoy.

During the month of July, you may find tomatoes used more abundantly in a variety of recipes from our cafeterias.

Did You Know?

  • There are over ten thousand varieties of tomatoes
  • Some varieties of tomatoes come in different colors such as yellow, purple and green
  • Globe tomatoes (also called “slicer tomatoes”) are the most popular variety of tomato in the U.S.

Try These Delicious Recipes

Stuffed Tomatoes
Tomato Salad
Tomato Strawberry Salsa

How to Buy and Store: Buy tomatoes that are firm yet have some give to pressing or squeezing. They should be smooth, bright and bruise-free. Perfectly ripe tomatoes have a garden-fresh sweet and spicy scent. Store them at room temperature stem-side down on a towel in an open container. They’re best within a couple of days after purchasing.

Making it Kid-Friendly: Many kids enjoy eating tomatoes plain. For kids who don’t enjoy plain tomatoes, try these kid-friendly dishes:

  • Spaghetti with marinara sauce
  • Baked chicken, mozzarella, basil and tomato sub
  • Black bean burger with ketchup, mustard, pickles, cheese and sliced tomatoes

Grown Your Own Tomatoes: Tomato plants are a gardener’s best friend because they’re easy to grow. They grow well in gardens and containers. Keep them in a warm, sunny spot. Give them at least one inch of water per week. Squirrels, deer and other animals enjoy tomatoes too, which means you may need to add fencing around your tomato plants. 

Nutrition and Health Benefits: Tomatoes are high in lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. They are also rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, folate and potassium.

Calories: 21Protein: 1g
Total Fat: 0gCalcium: 1%
Total Carbohydrate: 5gIron: 2%
Dietary Fiber: 1gPotassium: 0mg
Sugars: 3gVitamin C: 26%
Sodium: 0mgVitamin A: 20%

Serving Size: 1 medium globe tomato