Do you know that there are several thousand varieties of tomatoes? My all time favorite is the sun gold – a small, yellow cherry tomato bursting with flavor. When I buy them at the farmers’ market, I can eat half the basket before I even get home.

Often called a superfood, tomatoes have numerous health benefits. They contain lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant, and helps prevent cancer, especially prostate cancer in men. They also have fiber, potassium, Vitamin C, beta-carotene and lutein, which is important for eye health. And they may even help reduce the risk of heart disease. On the flip side, tomatoes are part of the “nightshade” family (which also includes eggplants, peppers and potatoes) and have been linked to joint inflammation in some people.

Even with fall knocking on our door, you can still find copious amounts of locally grown tomatoes. Check out your local farm stand or market for varieties such as Cherokee Purple, Brandywine, Yellow Perfection and many more. Then get busy making your favorite recipe or simply eat them raw.

Filed under: Fiber, Fruit, Immunity, Locally Grown Food, Superfoods, Vitamins and Minerals