{"id":2324,"date":"2015-12-08T13:00:20","date_gmt":"2015-12-08T19:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/?p=2324"},"modified":"2015-12-08T15:00:02","modified_gmt":"2015-12-08T21:00:02","slug":"tomato-tomahto","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/tomato-tomahto","title":{"rendered":"Tomato, Tomahto"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Tomato,<\/a>When and How to Use Different Tomato Varieties<\/h2>\n

Thought kale was popular? Chew on this: Americans eat an average of 80 tons of tomatoes<\/a> each year, making the fruit one of the most consumed types of produce and a staple in meals across the country.<\/p>\n

Tomatoes are generally available for purchase year-round, though they taste freshest and contain more vitamins<\/a> when consumed in season, which is typically during the summer months. Still, some varieties hold up better than others even in the middle of winter (more on that below).<\/p>\n

Perusing a farmer\u2019s stand or the produce section of the supermarket can be overwhelming because there are so many varieties of tomatoes available. Should you choose grape, Roma, heirloom? Which has the best flavor, and what will work best in that recipe you plan to make? Read on to learn the ins and outs of this versatile fruit.<\/p>\n

Garden Varieties: How to Identify and Use Different Types of Tomatoes <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Never get confused at the farmers\u2019 market or in the kitchen again. Here\u2019s an overview of each of the most common tomato varieties, as well guidelines for when and how to cook each one.<\/p>\n

Beefsteak Tomatoes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Beefstake<\/a><\/strong>The term beefsteak can refer to any of a variety<\/a> of large tomatoes. What they all have in common is their size, thick flesh, and high ratio of flesh to juice and seeds (they tend to have smaller seeds than other tomato varieties). While supermarkets often display only perfectly round beefsteaks, oddly shaped or lumpy tomatoes have the best flavor. Also, don\u2019t be afraid to try colors that are not red.<\/p>\n

Beefsteaks are mild in flavor, which means they won\u2019t overpower a dish. Their size makes them ideal for a raw complement to sandwiches or burgers, but they also produce great flavor when cooked. They\u2019re freshest in the summer; depending on where you live, you may or may not be able to find quality beefsteaks year round. Try them in any of these recipes:<\/p>\n