Botanically a fruit but used as a vegetable. Used in sandwiches, salads, soups, casseroles, vegetable side dishes, sauces and dressings.
Varieties include:
Common: apple sized and shaped
Roma: similar in size and shape to a plum or an egg
Cherry Tomato: very small and round
Grape: small and grape-shaped,recently available in supermarkets.
Vine ripened tomatoes are available for a higher cost
Selection:
Select bright coloured tomatoes free from blemish.
Storage:
At room temperature away from direct sunlight to allow for natural ripening. To avoid over-ripening tomatoes can be stored in refrigerator crisper.
Serving suggestion:
Layer slices of grilled eggplant with slices of tomato and bocconcini or mozzarella cheese. Scatter a few fresh basil leaves on top and a drizzle of Italian salad dressing.