A taste for tomato season

When tomato season arrives, it is a sign of warmer days ahead – as sunshine and higher temperatures are peak growing conditions for this favourite fruit.

Wildly expensive out of season, tomatoes are a delightful summer ingredient for creating fresh salads, delicious sauces, and chutneys, as well as quick and easy snacks. But they aren’t just a tasty addition to the kitchen, tomatoes come with a wide range of health benefits too.

Tomatoes are packed with a cocktail of essential nutrients, including vitamin C, folate, iron, and potassium. They’re also rich in lycopene, a natural plant pigment that gives red produce its bright hue, and is a powerful antioxidant.

Other health benefits

Reduces risk of disease – In addition to containing lycopene, tomatoes are also full of other antioxidant compounds, such as flavonoids, beta-carotene and vitamin C.
Promotes heart health – As the antioxidants in tomatoes combat oxidative stress, they can also protect your heart.
Supports eye health – As it turns out, carrots aren’t the only vegetables that are good for your eyes. Thanks to the rich lycopene content, tomato benefits also include eye health.
Supports the digestive system – One cup of chopped raw tomatoes offers two grams of fibre, making them a great addition to a healthy digestive system.