There's so many types of tomatoes and each variety has a place in making our lives tastier! Whilst they're in stock year-round, warmer summer months are actually traditional tomato season. Sweet mouth bombs!

Nutritionally, tomatoes of any kind are a healthy choice. All are high in water, low in calories and delivers a nice amount of vitamins A, C and K. To boost the absorption further, drizzle them with olive oil. Here's why you need them in your fridge right now:

1. They pair well with peanut butter.

   It might sound a little cray-cray, but one of my favourite snacks is a cracker or toast topped with crunchy peanut butter and slices of tomato. It's one combination you have to taste to believe - but once you've tried it you wont look back!

2. They make the perfect healthy snack

   Mini, cherry, baby - whatever you like to call them, small tomatoes are the perfect snacking buddy. Keep some on our desk or throw in a small container to tote with you whilst you're out and about. The sweetness may help to combat cravings for more sugary foods. Keep reading for my favourite varieties right now.

3. They're great for your peepers

   Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, lutein and beta-carotene, powerful antioxidants that have been shown to protect the eyes.

4. This Simple Tomato Soup

   You’re only 30 minutes away from enjoying this delicious homemade tomato + red pepper soup. It’s the perfect accompaniment to some grilled chicken for a healthy lunch.

5. They're great for your heart

   The fibre, potassium, vitamin C and choline content in tomatoes are all known to support heart health.

6. Roast Vegetable Tartlet with Herbed Chickpea Crust

   If you're keen on pies and tartlets like me, but try to avoid refined flours - this versatile lunch or dinner recipe is the one for you. Made with nutritious chickpea flour and heaps of nutritious veggies, you have enjoy a slice (or two!) without guilt.
   

7. They can prevent cancer

   As an excellent source of vitamin C and other antioxidants, tomatoes can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer.

8. They're a super simple side dish: Roasted Tomatoes

   There's nothing better than sweet, roasted tomatoes with their caramelised skins bursting open with juice! So tasty and simple - they are one of the easiest side dishes you can make! Add some Truss Tomatoes to a baking tray - I love the Amoroso Cocktail ones. Drizzle with a little virgin olive oil. Roast at 200°C (fan forced) for 20-30 minutes. Serve with a pinch of sea salt.
   

9. They can improve digestion

   Eating foods that are high in water content and fibre like tomatoes can help with hydration and promote regular bowel movements. Fibre adds bulk to stool and is essential for minimising constipation.

10. Feeling down? Tomatoes keep you happy!

    The folic acid in tomatoes may help with depression by preventing an excess of homocysteine from forming in the body, which can prevent blood and other nutrients from reaching the brain.

What are some of your favourite recipes that use tomatoes? Share yours with us in the comments!

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Varieties at their peak right now:

These are some of my faves out right now - available in all Coles Supermarkets.

Perino Sweet Snacking Tomatoes

Twice as sweet as the average tomato, red Perino Sweet Snacking Tomatoes are a healthy and fresh snacking option for kids and adults. Their sweet flavour comes from the very high flesh to juice ratio, which not only intensifies the flavour but also makes them ‘squirt free’. Phew! Perfect for school lunch boxes or simply as a nutritious snack on-the-go!

Perino Gold Sweet Snacking Tomatoes

Bright orange in colour, these golden grape snacking tomatoes are lower in acidity than traditional red tomato varieties and have a subtle sweetness and delicate flavour. They're also great for snacking or salads.

Amoroso Cocktail Truss Tomatoes

Cocktail truss tomatoes may be small in size but they are big on flavour. Succulent and versatile, they have an intense taste and are the perfect size for everyday cooking. Picked and packed on the vine, they continue to draw flavour and nutrients to ensure great quality and that true tomato taste. The vine looks so pretty too!

 

*Editor’s Note: This article is proudly sponsored by Blush Tomatoes. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make The Fit Foodie Blog possible. All images and opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.