It’s British Tomato Week, so we will kick off this blog with a question; is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable?
Believe it or not, this question was answered by the US Supreme Court in 1887 when tomato growers in America pressed for, and were ultimately successful, in getting it classed as a vegetable. This meant it could be taxed when imported, thereby providing protecting US tomato growers.
Botanically speaking tomatoes are the fruit of the vine and because they contain seeds they are a fruit, but we don’t think many people would disagree with our American cousins by regarding it as a vegetable.
One of the key messages being pushed by the British Tomato Growers’ Association in British Tomato Week is that you shouldn’t put them in the fridge. This may come as a surprise to many but they are correct when they say fridges do flavours no favours. British tomatoes are fresh so they don’t need to be refrigerated, just make sure you use them soon after buying or they will turn quickly in your cupboard.
We get through our fair share of tomatoes in the SK kitchen so we know how amazing, and versatile they are. Here are just a few of our favourite and simple tomato-based dishes:
Minestrone soup – this Italian classic is so easy to make and is good for you as well. We like to add a little bit of streaky bacon to ours and serves with some croutons on the top.
Tomato salsa – given Tex Mex is one of our specialities, a good salsa is essential and all you need are some ripe tomatoes, coriander, onion, chilli, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix together and there you have it!
Bruschetta with tomato and basil – another simple dish, the key is to use the very ripest tomatoes and lots of seasoning.
Tomato sauce for pasta – You will never need to buy ready-made jars of sauce (with all their added sugar) again once you know how to make a tomato sauce and it can’t get an easier. Heat some olive oil and add sliced onion and garlic, followed by tomato puree, lots of fresh chopped tomatoes and some oregano and basil. Job done.
Because of our climate there are some ingredients that unfortunately do taste better from abroad, but tomatoes most certainly do not fall into that category, so we are joining with the British Tomato Growers’ Association to call for every week, and not just this one, to be your British Tomato Week.
For more information about food made by SK Chilled Foods please click here.
About Sean Flint
Development & Innovation Chef of SK Foods.
Your food. Our Passion.
