Cà chua is an excellent source of carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B, lycopene, and other essential nutrients. Regular consumption of tomatoes can help fight oxidation, cool and detoxify the body, and lower blood pressure. No wonder it is considered a highly nutritious vegetable.
While tomatoes are available year-round, summer and autumn are the peak seasons for the ripest and most flavorful tomatoes. To select the best tomatoes, besides buying them in season, it’s important to observe their external characteristics.
According to experienced vegetable sellers, there are two types of tomatoes: one with a slightly pointed tip and the other with a round shape. Be careful to choose the right type, as the pointed ones may not taste as good.
Although the shapes may look similar, the round tomatoes tend to be more nutritious and juicy. This is because they have absorbed an ample amount of water and nutrients during their growth.
On the other hand, the pointed tomatoes may not be as nutrient-rich. In addition to the shape, there are a few other things to keep in mind when buying tomatoes:
1. Stem
The stem of freshly picked tomatoes will be firmly attached to the fruit. It will have green leaves and show no signs of wilting. If the stem looks dry or the leaves are falling off, it’s an indication that the tomatoes are not fresh.
Pay attention to the number of leaves on the stem. Each tomato should have at least five leaves, and generally, the more leaves, the better. This indicates that the plant has been well-cared for and has received sufficient nutrients, resulting in juicier and more nutritious tomatoes.
2. Firmness
Tomatoes are typically harvested just before they are fully ripe to facilitate easier transportation and reduce the risk of bruising. Therefore, finding tree-ripened tomatoes can be challenging.
When purchasing, gently squeeze the tomato. If it feels slightly soft, with a firm flesh and just the right amount of ripeness, it’s a good choice. On the other hand, if it’s too hard, it won’t taste as good, and if it’s too soft, it won’t keep for long.
3. Weight
Here’s a little-known tip for choosing the best tomatoes: the heavier the fruit, the more flavorful it will be. If a tomato feels light for its size, it may not live up to your taste expectations.
Once you’ve selected the perfect tomatoes, it’s time to turn them into delicious dishes. Here’s a nutritious and super affordable recipe using tomatoes that you should try at least once:
Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes
Ingredients
– Eggs
– Tomatoes
– Scallions
– Salt
– Cooking oil
– Vinegar
– Water
Instructions
1. Wash the tomatoes and soak them in a dilute salt solution for about 10 minutes to remove any residual pesticides. Make two crosswise cuts on each tomato, then drop them into boiling water for about a minute. Carefully peel off the tomato skins.
2. Cut the tomatoes into wedges or dice them, whichever you prefer.
3. In a bowl, beat the eggs and add a pinch of salt, a few drops of vinegar, and a little water. The vinegar will help eliminate any eggy smell, and the water will make the scrambled eggs softer and fluffier.
4. Finely chop the scallions.
5. Heat some cooking oil in a pan and pour in the beaten egg mixture. Keep the heat high throughout the cooking process. As the eggs start to set, use a spatula to break them into small pieces and transfer them to a plate.
6. Using the same pan, add a little more oil and sauté the tomatoes. Add a pinch of salt and cook over low heat until the tomatoes are soft and tender.
Cooking the tomatoes until they are soft ensures a more flavorful dish.
7. Once the tomatoes are soft, add the scrambled eggs and mix well. Cook for about 3-5 minutes to allow the eggs to absorb the tomato flavors. Season with a little more salt, a pinch of sugar, and sprinkle with the chopped scallions. Finally, add a few drops of sesame oil, give it a good stir, and turn off the heat.
The sesame oil adds a nice aroma and makes the dish more appealing.
This scrambled eggs with tomatoes recipe is restaurant-worthy. The eggs are soft and fluffy, and the dish is full of flavor. It goes perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice.
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