Commodity Articles
The Florida Tomato
September 2007The Florida tomato is juicy, full of flavor and delicious. With one bite of a Florida tomato, you’ll understand why they are so popular. Native to South America, tomatoes grow in north, central and south Florida and are available from September through June.
Botanically, tomatoes are fruits, although they are legally considered vegetables due to a ruling by the United States Supreme Court in 1883. Members of the Solanaceae family, tomatoes are related to potatoes, eggplants and peppers. Tomatoes are overflowing with good nutrition. One medium-sized tomato provides about one half of our recommended daily allowance for vitamin C, and 20 percent of the vitamin A needs, along with fiber, carbohydrate, potassium and iron. Tomatoes are also low in fat and sodium. But the main nutrition news today is that tomatoes also contain a compound called lycopene, which has been shown to reduce prostate cancer in men who eat at least 10 servings a week of tomatoes and tomato-based foods.
There are many varieties of tomatoes grown in Florida. From round field tomatoes, to grape and cherry tomatoes, to ugly ripe, and plum tomatoes, they are sweet and can be eaten fresh or cooked. Although Florida tomatoes are mostly recognized as red, there are varieties that are yellow, orange, and even striped. Heirloom tomatoes are gaining in popularity, but as the name suggests, they are not new varieties. They are more like the varieties grown in Florida home gardens as opposed to those that are commercially bred. Cherry tomatoes look like miniature round tomatoes. Grape tomatoes are small as well, but have an elongated shape similar to grapes. Both of these varieties are popular in salads and vegetable trays. Plum tomatoes and round tomatoes are also used in salads in addition to cooked dishes.
When selecting Florida tomatoes — whether they are red, yellow, orange or green — look for bright, shiny skin free from bruising or decay. Ripe tomatoes should be firm to the touch but they will yield slightly to pressure. For grape or cherry varieties, make sure that they are plump and not shriveled. Green tomatoes are not fully ripe, and therefore not as sweet, but they can be cooked before eating with delicious results.
Tomatoes should not be refrigerated. Refrigeration breaks down enzymes in the tomato causing it to lose flavor. To ripen Florida tomatoes, keep on the counter or for a quicker process, place in a paper bag on the counter. Store ripe Florida tomatoes in a cool place, but never in the refrigerator until they are cut. Once cut, store only one or two days to maintain optimal flavor. Place tomatoes stem-up to prevent bruising, and keep out of direct sunlight.
To savor the goodness of Florida tomatoes, try these tasty ideas.
- Recipes featured with this article:
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