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Tomatoes originally come from South America. Fresh, sweet tomatoes from your garden have been said to be superior to any tomatoes that you would buy in the supermarket. And organically grown tomatoes are definitely from an entirely different universe than non-organic or unnaturally grown tomatoes, biologically engineered tomatoes (which sometimes remind one of styrophome).

But in general, tomatoes have been a favorite vegetable for centuries. We rarely find an individual who “doesn’t like tomatoes.”

There are many varieties of tomatoes. There are different types of sweet tomatoes and there are also others with different shapes, sizes, tastes, and colors. I personally prefer the sweet tomatoes.

Tomatoes are also a favorite ingredient in low calorie recipes or vegetarian cooking.

The average red tomato contains about 22 calories, no fat, and no cholesterol. It contains potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and small amounts of calcium and iron.

Tomatoes can be used in many ways. Spaghetti sauce, tomato juice, ketchup, pizza, and Spanish Rice are a few examples of how tomatoes can be used with other foods.

The tomato is also a chef’s favorite for another other reason. That is its color. Adding a few tomatoes to a salad or other dish can give it the sparkle and color it needs to turn a bland-looking meal into one that is appealing and aesthetic.

If you are attempting to use Low Calorie Recipes, the tomato can be one of your best friends. It has a high nutrition value (Vitamin C has even been said to assist the body in burning fat), is low in calories, and is the perfect addition to many dishes - adding color, flavor, and appeal.

Here are some of the uses of tomatoes in Low Calorie Recipes:

1. Salads. Almost any common garden salad has tomatoes in it.

One example is the use of tomatoes in a low calorie Tuna Salad recipe, where quarters of tomatoes are around in a circular form around the salad, strips of pepper and rings of onion are placed in the center, the the arrangement is topped with tuna and a special dressing.

2. Soups. Warm tomato soup, or any soup with tomato added to it, can be comforting and fulfilling on a cold day. In the summer, cold tomato soups with a few fresh herbs sprinkled on top, are a favorite.

3. Tomatoes can be hollowed out and filled = with bean salad, couscous, hummus - the possibilities are endless on how one can use tomatoes to create healthy and inviting dishes.

4. Tomatoes can be strung on a skewer along with other vegetables in vegetarian or non-vegetarian kebabs.

5. Tomatoes can be baked with meats and casseroles.

6. A variety of appetizers can be made with tomatoes.

In summary, tomatoes are a colorful and nutritious addition to any diet that will assist in health, appearance, weight loss, and well-being.

Tags: Food, Recipes & Restaurants