Conquer that Quinoa!
So you've bought yourself a bag of quinoa but now you don't know what to do with it! Don't worry, we're here to help.
How to cook quinoaTomatoes, whichever way you pronounce them, are botanically a berry. Having a lower sugar content than other edible fruits, in culinary terms tomatoes are often classed as vegetables. Though often thought of as bright red, tomatoes come in a wide range of colours including yellow, purple and nearly black. It is thought that tomatoes were domesticated as far back as 500 BC, although this now popular ingredient didn’t make it to Britain until the 1590s.
Tomatoes are a member of the Solanaceae family, along with aubergines and potatoes. Tomato plants grow up to 3 metres in height, with the average tomato fruit weighing approximately 100g. The part that we eat is the edible ovary of the plant, and both the leaves and the stem are inedible.
Tomatoes are now grown throughout the world, where approximately 4.8 million hectares of land has been dedicated to tomato production, with the Netherlands being the highest producer.
Around 7500 varieties of tomatoes exist.
These can roughly be distinguished in two main ways: determinate vs. indeterminate, and heirloom vs. hybrid.
Determinate and indeterminate tomatoes are distinguished by where the blossom grows. In determinate tomatoes, the blossoms grow from the end of the shoots which means that the shoots stop growing and once they have produced fruit they decline. In contrast, indeterminate tomatoes produce their fruit along the vine, which mean they can continue to grow until stopped by an external factor such as cold weather.
Heirloom tomatoes are generally considered to be of purer breed. They were developed using the method of only growing from tomatoes with the most desirable traits, whilst discarding the plants deemed to be lower in quality. Hybrid tomatoes are bred using the more up-to-date method of cross-pollinating different varieties.
Tomatoes are recognised to be extremely nutritious, and Alfred Vogel believed that ‘tomatoes that have fully ripened on the plant are wholesome and contain at least five different vitamins which are essential for the human body.’ In particular, they have a high vitamin C content. Additionally, tomatoes are very low in calories and fat, and contain no cholesterol.
100g serving:
18 kcal, 0.9g protein, 0.2g fat, 3.9g carbohydrate, 1.2g fibre
Many health benefits have been attributed to tomatoes, and many of these can be linked with the high anti-oxidants, vitamin and mineral composition of the fruit. High in vitamin C, tomatoes can help to boost the immune system, giving your body extra protection against colds and other viruses.
Tomatoes are also thought to promote good eye health. They are high in vitamin A, which is known to protect the retina and cornea. As well as this, tomatoes contain a flavanoid called zea-xanthin, which helps the eye to filter harmful UV rays.
Phytonutrients in tomatoes have been found to be linked with heart health. They have been found to lower levels of bad cholesterol, as well as preventing high blood pressure, or lowering high blood pressure. Additionally, tomatoes have been found to reduce inflammation, such as in the arteries, which reduce risk of heart disease.
High in fibre, tomatoes are good for digestive health. They reduce symptoms of diarrhoea and constipation by adding bulk to the stool and regulating bowel movements. Tomatoes have also been found to stimulate the release of digestive enzymes, improving digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Avocado, Lettuce & Tomato Sandwich
Cheesy Stuffed Tomatoes with Rice & Mushrooms
Tomato & Pepper Salsa
Vegetarian Tomato Stew
Looking for our products in a store near you?
Not sure whether your favourite health food store sells our products?
To find your local independent store selling our products, just type your postcode below.
So you've bought yourself a bag of quinoa but now you don't know what to do with it! Don't worry, we're here to help.
How to cook quinoaThese cookies might sound a bit strange but they're sweet and chewy making them the perfect partner for a cuppa!
Get the recipeCarbohydrates have a bad reputation, but eating the right kinds can actually be great for weight management!
Find out more about carbohydrates and weight managementReady to try something new? Watch Emma's recipe video for a delicious Fermented Tomato Ketchup!
Get the recipeOur Herbamare combines herbs and vegetables with a little sea salt to create a delicious, healthy seasoning for any dish!
Find out moreThe 8 principles of Alfred VogelNature is just about the best thing we’ve got!