Tasty Tomatoes
This time of year tomatoes are available in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes. From sweet and crunchy cherry tomatoes to meaty, luscious heirlooms; tomatoes are a great way to enjoy summer at its best. Tomatoes contain vitamin C, fibre and beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. There are many ways to enjoy tomatoes. Try adding them to your favorite salad or making a bruschetta of diced tomato, basil and garlic to top crusty bread, spread with Flora ProActiv. If you prefer the taste of cooked tomatoes try and use them to make your favourite pasta sauce.
Did you know…the tomato is actually a fruit. That’s right, a fruit!. A fruit is the edible part of the plant that contains the seeds, while a vegetable is the edible stems, leaves, and roots of the plant. A handy tip, don’t store your tomatoes in the fridge, this lessens their flavour.
Colourful cooking
Red capsicums contain beta carotene, which give them their vibrant colour. Tasty when eaten raw, their sweet flavour is enhanced when cooked. Roasting or grilling them brings out their sweet, smoky flavour. Once cooked, capsicum make a great addition to an antipasti plate, or as a dip. Try puréering and mixing some into plain humous.
Did you know capsicum become sweet as they ripen on the vine and change colour from green to red to yellow.
Mad for Melon
Like much of the summer produce available, melons, such as rockmelon, also contain vitamin C and beta-carotene. Nowadays, there are numerous varieties of melons and they can be used in many different types of recipes from sweet to savoury. Because of their juicy, sweet flesh, melons make a great dessert. But, you can also try using them in a summer salad or in a gazpacho.
Berry delicious
Raspberries are in season throughout summer and contain fibre and vitamin C. Eat them fresh, or push through a sieve to make a speedy sauce to drizzle over melon slices.
Did you know…the raspberry is a not a true berry ; it is made up of drupelets, each section of fruit having its own seed and so it is actually a member of the rose family.