I Have A Love Affair With Tomatoes - Ten Reasons Why I Love Tomatoes

Tomatoes bridge all different cultures and add fun and excitingly great taste to any dish they are added too.



With a fascinating history, you'd never figure that the tomato is actually part of the nightshade family, where a few poisonous cousins exist. Interestingly, the lineage of the tomato is also connected to that of tobacco, eggplants, chili peppers, and the potato. A lot of our favorite ethnic recipes would not exist if there were no tomatoes. Overall, I find tomatoes a versatile vegetable, which shapes the many reasons why I celebrate their existence.



1) A Happy-Looking Vegetable



Tomatoes are colorful and not only come in the bright red variety, but also decorate dishes with orange, green, pink, purple, yellow, and even white selections. Some are multi-colored, while others display funky stripes. Tomatoes when added to a dish cause flavors to burst forth as well as helping change a sad countenance.



2) Important Salad Ingredient



A salad isn't complete without tomatoes, as there are many different selections to consider. A big plate piled high with sliced tomatoes is a welcome addition to any meal. It's also a snap to get ready. Add cubed cheese to this side dish and you have a filling, speedy lunch for on the go.



3) Hamburger Helper



Sprinkle a little salt on sliced tomatoes and you have a refreshing treat. A juicy hamburger with all the fixings isn't the same without a couple of slices, adding zip and matching perfectly with lettuce.



4) Please Pass the Ketchup!



Grilling on a hot summer Sunday afternoon just would not be the same if the tomato wasn't there to spice things up. Pass the ketchup and watch it be slathered on the burgers, hot dogs, french fries and other fun foods?



5) Good Stuff for the Body



Red foods are known to supply the body with lycopene