Nutritional value
One ripe, 5cm-diameter tomato can supply all of a three-year-old's daily requirement of vitamin C (30mg). Tomatoes are also a premium source of lycopene, a carotenoid which is a powerful anti-oxidant. This chemical substance is found in both fresh and processed tomatoes and is thought to lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. Tomatoes also contain vitamins A and E ( therefore are an 'ACE' food), plus calcium, iron and potassium.
Using tomatoes
Buy only firm red ones and leave in a sunny place to sweeten; refrigeration spoils their texture. Cherry tomatoes are often the nicest, and work well as finger food. However, most commercially grown tomatoes can taste quite acid, especially their skins, so whenever possible, peel them by putting them into a bowl and covering them with boiling water. After ten seconds, rinse them under the cold tap in a sieve. The skins should peel away easily.
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