British Tomato Fortnight aims to raise awareness of Britain’s tasty tomatoes, their health benefits and encourages more consumers to support local growers by buying tomatoes. The great news is that British Tomato season is currently in full bloom, so we have plenty of time to indulge in this tasty all round superfood.
Let’s start with the good stuff:
Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins
A single tomato can provide about 40% of the daily recommended minimum of vitamin C. What's more, tomatoes supply vitamin A, which supports immunity, vision, and skin health; vitamin K, which is good for your bones; and potassium, a key nutrient for heart function, muscle contractions, and maintaining a healthy blood pressure and fluid balance.
They protect heart health
Tomatoes contain an antioxidant called lycopene, which is responsible for their red colour. Research suggests that in terms of heart health benefits, it's more effective to eat tomatoes and tomato products than take lycopene supplements. Other studies have shown that higher blood levels of lycopene are tied to lower death rates for people with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors that raise the chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Improve your vision
According to research, tomatoes are packed with nutrients such as lycopene, lutein and beta-carotene which all help to support your vision and protect against eye conditions including cataracts and macular degeneration.
Guard skin health
A 2011 study found that the combination of tomato paste and olive oil protected against sun damage, and boosted the production of pro-collagen, a molecule that gives the skin its structure and keeps it firm and youthful. Scientists believe that the lycopene in tomatoes is key. It’s at its highest concentration when tomatoes have been cooked, and olive oil boosts its absorption from your digestive system into your bloodstream.
Help with diabetes management
Tomatoes may be a protective food for people with type 2 diabetes: In one study, people with diabetes who supplemented with cooked tomatoes for 30 days experienced a decrease in lipid peroxidation, a chain reaction in which substances called free radicals attack fat, leading to damage that ups the risk of heart disease. This is particularly important, because diabetes doubles the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Boost digestive health
The fluid and fibre in tomatoes may be helpful if you're prone to constipation.
Our tomato growers work hard all year round so we can enjoy tasty and healthy mealtimes. Not only are they bursting with goodness, they are packed with flavour too, and whilst we are on the topic of tasty tomatoes, why not take a look at our selection of just a few of our delicious easy tomato based dishes below
Beef Bolognese Pasta Bake
Cooked penne pasta in a minced beef, tomato, mushroom and red wine sauce topped with Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese.
Vegetable Rigatoni
Rigatoni pasta in a rich sauce with marinated, slow roasted tomatoes, asparagus and basil, roasted butternut squash and onion with Italian style hard cheese.
Prawn Linguine
Linguine pasta with prawns in a tomato, spinach and red chilli sauce, topped with cherry tomatoes.
Mini Chicken Chasseur
Tender pieces of chicken breast and mushroom in a tomato, white wine and smoked bacon sauce. Served with skin on sliced potatoes and broccoli florets.
Chicken Arrabiata
Penne pasta and chicken breast pieces in a tomato, butter bean and basil sauce, garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Mini Spaghetti Bolognese
A rich bolognese sauce made with minced beef, tomatoes, onions and mushrooms in a tomato and red wine sauce. Served with spaghetti.
For more information about our delicious meals and desserts, delivered straight to your door, please visit our website at www.oakhousefooods.co.uk
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