spiCes

TOMATO

When Ces asked if I would be interested to do the second “Iron Chef LaPiS Challenge”, I was honestly both excited and a wee bit, ahem, “apprehensive”.

Excited because this would probably be the closest I would get to rubbing (virtual) elbows with “foodie greats” and “iron chefs extra-ordinaire” in cyberspace and apprehensive because I was quite afraid that my entry wouldn’t quite measure up to LaPiS’s “discriminating” standards… hahaha! J

I know…‘nuff of my cheesy intro… Obviously, I welcomed the “Tomato Challenge”!  So, here goes…

to·ma·to  (tə-mā’tō, -mä’-)

n.   pl. to·ma·toes

A widely cultivated South American plant (Lycopersicon esculentum) having edible, fleshy, usually red fruit.

According to Wikipedia, tomato consumption is believed to benefit the heart among other things and has been associated with decreased risk of breast cancer, head and neck cancers and might be strongly protective against neurodegenerative diseases.

And if this isn’t enough reason to munch away on this “veggie-fruit” or include this is our daily diet, tomatoes contain lycopene, one of the most powerful natural antioxidants.  Lycopene has also been shown to improve the skin’s ability to protect against harmful UV rays.

Tomatoes are also used extensively in Mediterranean cuisine, especially Italian and Middle Eastern cuisines. The tomato is acidic thus making it especially easy to preserve in home canning -  be it whole, in pieces, as tomato sauce, or tomato paste. Tomato juice is often canned and sold as a beverage while unripe green tomatoes can also be breaded and fried, used to make salsa, or pickled. The fruit is also preserved by drying, often by sun, and sold either in bags or in jars in oil.

As for me, since cooler days are upon most of us especially with the onset of winter, what better way to keep warm and toasty than with a steaming bowl of this…

For the recipe, click here.

Yes, a definite comfort food – both for the tummy and for the soul. Couple this with a grilled mozzarella sandwich and I’m in “foodie heaven”! (*sigh*)

How about you? What’s your take on the terrific tomato?

This is Pinky of The Kingdom Kitchen Tales – honored and privileged to be this week’s LaPiS guest contributor. A blessed Sunday to all!

is a weekly thematic FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY meme, Pinoy style! thanks a lot for guest hosting PINKY!