In Season Now - Autumn

Tomatoes This versatile, vibrant food is truly one of nature’s superfoods and tastes best while in season now. Rich in vitamins C and A plus the antioxidant lycopene, tomatoes are one of the only fruits or vegetables that can be eaten raw, cooked, whole, sliced, diced, grilled, barbecued, baked, stuffed, stewed, pureed, sauced and souped!  If you struggle to meet your recommended 5 serves of vegetables each day, tomatoes may just be the answer. The nutrients and unique phytochemicals in tomatoes, particularly lycopene, have benefits for reducing the risk of some cancers and heart disease, as well as improving cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

One small tomato (120 grams) contains 70% of a person’s daily vitamin C needs, as well as some vitamin A, folate and potassium, with less than 70 kilojoules. One cup of tomato is equal to a serve of light vegetables according to FNA’s My Healthy Eating Guide©.

Tomato tempters at any time of day:

• Grill tomatoes with mushrooms and eggs for a savoury breakfast
• Throw sliced tomato on toast for breakfast or on a sandwich for lunch
• Skip the bottled variety and throw fresh tomato through pasta with some olives, tuna, parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick and easy dinner
• Top sliced tomato with bocconcini or feta cheese and basil for a fresh autumn snack. 

For more food facts and useful information on the latest nutrition topics click here.