Paradeiser (Tomatoes)

Ripe tomatoes don't necessarily have to be bright red.

There are also tomato varieties that are ripe when they turn yellow, purple, black, or dark orange.

There are over 1,000 different tomato varieties worldwide - the best known and most important are:

• Bush tomatoes
• Without secrets
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cherry tomatoes
• beefsteak tomatoes
• The stick tomato
• wow.

Food Hack - Quickly and easily halve cocktail tomatoes and grapes.

Origin

Tomatoes were already cultivated in the time of the Aztecs; the Spanish finally brought them to the European mainland in the 16th century.

The most important growing countries worldwide are China, the USA, Italy, Turkey, Egypt and India.

In Europe, Italy, Spain and Greece are at the top of the list of the most important tomato producers.

Season

Tomatoes can be bought all year round in Austria.

Domestic production supplies the market from May to October.

However, imports from European growing countries are also available throughout the year.

When choosing a variety, smaller specimens should always be preferred, as they often have a stronger aroma.

The taste

Tomatoes have a strong, fruity aroma.

Sweet and sour components combine to create a perfect symbiosis of taste.

Use in the kitchen

Tomatoes are first thoroughly washed and freed from all green parts.

Green areas on the fruit flesh contain solanine, which is toxic.

If you don't want the tomato skin in your dish, you can peel the tomato. To do this, cut a cross in the skin and then briefly blanch it in boiling water. The skin can then be easily removed.

The seeds can be removed, but it's not necessary. They are only loosely attached to the flesh and can therefore be easily squeezed out. The tomato can then be processed further.

Tomatoes taste especially good in combination with spices such as:

• Thymian
• Oregano
• Basil
• Rosemary
• sage
• Thymian

When pureed, it can be used, for example, as a base for delicious soups and sauces.

They can be stuffed, pureed, or eaten raw or in salads.

Tomatoes can also be dried and then preserved in olive oil with herbs or spices.

Further recipe recommendations

Storage/Shelf Life

Tomatoes can be harvested while still green.

They then mature slowly when stored at a temperature of 10 to 12 degrees and can be stored for a long time.

Ripe tomatoes will keep for about 4-6 days at room temperature if stored in a dark place.

If stored in the refrigerator, they will keep for approximately the same amount of time, but will lose some of their aroma.

Tomatoes should always be stored alone, as they emit ethylene, which accelerates the ripening of other fruits and vegetables.

Nutritional value/active ingredients

• Tomatoes are 93 percent water and have only 17 calories per 100 grams.
• They contain plenty of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, sodium, and iron.
• The green parts of the tomato are toxic due to the solanine they contain. If consumed, they can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
• Tomatoes are also said to help prevent cancer.
• Tomato juice dehydrates the body and can lower blood pressure.
• Tomatoes also calm the nerves and stimulate the appetite.