Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: April 2022: National Florida Tomato Month. I don’t care were or what kind a Tomato might be I will pass on celebrating it because I don’t care for Tomatoes even though I like Ketchup and other foods made from Tomatoes. How about you do you like Tomatoes?
National Florida Tomato Month
April is National Florida Tomato Month, and I must tell you I don’t care for tomatoes and neither do Charlie or David. But my parents loved Tomatoes and picking them out of my grandmother’s garden. Did you know my dad’s grandmother was able to grow the best Grape Tomatoes?
For those that like Tomatoes from the Vine, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a good Tomato and the most common uses are on Hamburgers and Salads. Of course, if you grow Roma Tomatoes you have the option of canning the Tomatoes for Sauces.
Why not make a simple Salad of Tomatoes and Mozzarella or sliced Tomatoes and Cucumbers for the Tomato lover in your family? In the Summer people slice Tomatoes, Red Onions and Cucumbers, then they soak them in our favorite dressing for a few hours in the fridge and enjoy them as a side to Grilled Chicken. Did you know people dice Tomatoes and add them to Omelets or Pasta meals?
If you like Fried Chicken but need something healthier then you could prepare the Chicken in Olive Oil with Peppers, Onions and Tomatoes, Seasoning well, and place over Pasta for a light dinner. For breakfast you could prepare a Bagel Sandwich by Toasting your Bagel and top with low fat or nonfat Cream Cheese. Add Salt and Pepper to taste. Place sliced Tomatoes and Basil Leaves on the Bagel for a light lunch or breakfast. For a new addition you could add Bacon or Sautéed Onions.
If you have not incorporated Tomatoes into your diet then this is the perfect month to try. Start off with something simple like a Salad. Or you could find ways to add Tomatoes to dinners and lunches for added nutrition. Did you know the more whole foods and Veggies you eat the less you will crave high fat and high sugar foods?
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
