COOKING TIPS :Choosing,Preparing,Storage and Health Benefits of Tomatoes

Hi, we continue our cooking tips. Today we I’ll talk about tomatoes.  I know you have tried buying some fresh tomatoes either in the market or in the grocery shop but have you ever thought if tomatoes can  be eliminated in any Ghanaian dish? Certainly not! Why?, it is because of its important health benefits, the bulk it adds to foods whether cooked or uncooked and the beautiful red color it adds to salad.Well  knowing this let consider how tomatoes can be chosen, prepared and stored to avoid any nutrient loss.
 Choosing Tomatoes

 When buying fresh tomatoes ensure it is reddish and plump; no bruises or blemishes. The tomatoes should be soft, heavy and yield to the touch. And remember, size is not an indicator of quality. Large tomatoes can be just as sweet and juicy as the small ones.  I know you have tried storing some of tomatoes or trying to ripe some tomatoes here are some few points to help you. When you want to Store Tomatoes;
 •    Refrigerate (ripe tomatoes) below 55 degrees to protect the flavor.
 •    Tomatoes that need ripening should be placed in a paper bag with a banana or an apple for a day or two. The gases from the fruits will help to ripe them.
 •    If you don’t have banana or apple it can be stored at room temperature uncovered, out of direct sunlight, until ripe.
 Tomato juice usually spill out during preparation here are some few tips to avoid this.
: •    Wash tomatoes in cold water before use.
 •    Use a sharp knife to slice tomatoes vertically to prevent the juice and seeds spilling out.
 •    To peel your tomatoes, mark an X on the bottom of each one and place them in boiling water for about 20 seconds. Remove the tomatoes with a spoon, plunge them into cold water for the skins to come off. •     Do not use an aluminum pot, pan or utensil when cooking tomatoes. The acid in the tomato reacts unfavorably with the aluminum.
 •     If your tomatoes seem overly acidic, you can add a sprinkle of sugar and salt, both of which will bring out the flavor. 
 Do you know that tomato is a treasure of nutrients? Let take a look at the health benefit of tomatoes 
 •    Tomatoes have two antioxidants that are vitamin C and lycopene. This lycopene gives the characteristic red color in tomatoes. Antioxidants have the ability to reduce free radical reactions and thereby reducing the risk of cancer development in the body as well as protection against U V ray
. •    Vitamin C also has the ability to prevent bleeding gums, soreness in the joint and reduce wheezing in children with asthma.
 •    Vitamin A is also present in tomatoes to improve immune functions, maintenance of the skin and tissue lining and vision.
  •    Potassium is an essential nutrient that is important for normal health maintenance and growth. It is required for movement of nutrients across the cells in the body.
  •    Folic acid. Eating a diet containing folic acid, beta-carotene, and vitamin C effectively lowers homocysteine levels. As tomatoes contain all three of these nutrients, they are especially recommended for with high homocysteine levels.
Great! i'm sure you have been able to learn why tomatoes cannot be eliminated in most Ghanaian diets and you will always add tomatoes to all your meals. Thank you and you continue to follow this blog as i bring you something interesting about the oils we use in cooking.