This veggie has long been an icon for the summer season! Technically a fruit, tomatoes are typically used as a vegetable in the kitchen. When stored below room temperature, tomatoes tend to have less flavor and their ripening process is hindered and therefore should be avoided.

There has been lots of research lately about a phytochemical in tomatoes, lycopene, which has shown to have preventative effects for numerous cancers, and promote cardiovascular health.* However, it is important to note that, as with all vegetables, these health benefits can not be attributed to one single nutrient. In fact, it is all of the components (fiber, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals) that work together to give a vegetable its nutritional value.

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, as well as vitamin A, in the form of beta-carotene. This wondrous fruit/vegetable is easy to incorporate into dishes. Try combining chopped tomatoes, chopped olives, garlic, parsley, cannellini beans and olive oil in a bowl. Use crostini to scoop up this bean dip for a refreshing and light appetizer or snack.

*Organic tomatoes have been shown to have much higher concentrations of lycopene than non-organic.