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Tomatoes are present on our tables every day, regardless of the season. They taste great in a variety of dishes, both raw and after heat treatment. Which tomatoes to choose for specific dishes? Do tomatoes give us health benefits? You will learn this from the article.

Types of tomatoes

There are many types of tomatoes in stores.

The most widely available is the common tomato with a red color and a shape similar to a ball.
In season, it is worth reaching for raspberry tomatoes. They are more expensive than the common tomato, but sweeter and meatier.
On the other hand, lima tomatoes are great for homemade preserves due to their easy availability, low price and greater meatiness. They have an oblong shape.
Cocktail and date tomatoes, which are distinguished by their small size, are also very popular. They are great as an addition to salads or sandwiches that we want to take on a trip, to work or school.
Among other varieties, black, yellow and green tomatoes are also worth mentioning.


Are tomatoes a fruit or a vegetable?

Botanically speaking, the tomato grows from flowers and contains seeds inside just like other fruits. However, due to its culinary use, the tomato is considered a vegetable. We usually eat it in a savory form, on a sandwich or adding it to various dishes, not desserts or as an independent snack like fruit.

Nutritional value of tomatoes

Nutritional values between different varieties of tomatoes may vary slightly. 100 g of tomato provides:

2.9 g of digestible carbohydrates,
1.2 g of dietary fiber,
0.9 g of proteins,
0.2 g of fat.

In addition, tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins and biologically active substances. They contain a large dose of vitamins C, A, E as well as beta-carotene and other carotenoids. Thanks to the high content of potassium, they are recommended for people with cardiovascular disorders, especially with hypertension.

How many calories does a tomato have?

Tomato is an ingredient with low energy value. 100 g of tomatoes have 20 kcal, which means that one medium tomato provides only 30 kcal. Therefore, it is an appropriate supplement on a slimming diet, and the low glycemic index means that even people with glycemic disorders can reach for it.

Lycopene in tomatoes

The best-known, beneficial compound found in tomatoes is lycopene, which is a red pigment. Tomato products and dishes with heated tomatoes are particularly rich in this compound. Lycopene is an antioxidant that has a multidirectional, positive effect on the human body. It is particularly valued for its influence on blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Anti-cancer properties of lycopene have also been noted.

Dried tomatoes

Dried tomatoes are more aromatic than fresh tomatoes. You can buy them with or without oil. They contain more nutrients than fresh tomatoes and more calories. 100 g of sun-dried tomatoes in oil provide:

212 kcal,
17 g of digestible carbohydrates,
6 g of dietary fiber,
5 g of proteins,
14 g of fat.

It is best to reach for them in small amounts, as an aromatic addition to sandwich spreads, pasta, sauces or as an ingredient of stuffing for eggs or meat rolls. Due to the large amount of calories, you should exercise moderation in their consumption, especially if you are overweight or obese.

Tomato preserves

The tastiest, healthiest, and at the same time the cheapest tomatoes are available in the summer season. It is worth making preserves from them then to enjoy their taste and nutritional values throughout the year. Tomatoes can be used to prepare homemade puree, sauce or ketchup. An interesting idea for using tomatoes is also to pickle them (green tomatoes are good for this). You can also prepare your own sun-dried tomatoes at home.

Juice cure

Tomatoes are a great base for vegetable and vegetable-fruit juices. Once in a while, it is worth using a juice treatment that will cleanse the body and provide the necessary nutrients. One example of such a treatment is the diet of Dr. Ewa Dąbrowska in the form of juices available at the Sofra Health Institute. The advantage of its use is, among others: strengthening the immune system, which is especially important during the period of increased incidence of infections.