Recipes

April is Fresh Florida Tomato Month and in the spirit of this fantastic fruit, Produce for Kids wants to share the nutritional benefits of tomatoes and some delicious and easy tomato recipes! Produce for Kids is a fantastic resource to help parents and kids learn about the benefits of consuming fresh produce by providing healthful meal solutions, videos, podcasts and much, much more. The site even hosts an advisory board made up of parents with a wide range of expertise who can provide additional tools and resources on how you can easily incorporate fruits and veggies into your family’s daily routine!

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans eat between 22- 24 pounds of tomatoes per person, per year. (More than half of that consumption is ketchup and tomato sauce.) In addition, the tomato is the fourth most popular fresh-market vegetable behind potatoes, lettuce, and onions in the U.S. Most people know that tomatoes are good for you, but how many people know why? Here are some fun facts about tomatoes from PFK Parents On Produce advisory board member  and Registered Dietician, Estela Schnelle:

• Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, & potassium
• Tomatoes are also one of the foods that contain the highest amount of Lycopene, which is the pigment that give tomatoes their color
• Lycopene appears to have antioxidant capabilities and is very good for the eyes
• Research shows that a diet rich in Lycopene may be associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer and heart disease

To celebrate Fresh Florida Tomato Month, here is a fantastic tomato recipe from Ideal Meals, provided by Produce for Kids:

Peach Tomato Salsa

Serves 4
Preparation Time: 25 Minutes
Ingredients:

• 2 tomatoes
• 1 medium nectarine peeled and chopped
• 1 medium peach, peeled and chopped
• ¼ cup Vidalia® onion, chopped
• 2 Tbsp. lime juice
• 3 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped
• 1/8 tsp. salt

Additional Meal Items:

• 1 seedless cucumber, sliced
• 4 corn tortillas, 6-inch diameter, cut into 8 triangles
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 cup low-fat milk or juice

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F.  In a medium serving bowl, gently combine the tomatoes, peaches and onion.  Gently stir in the lime juice, cilantro and salt.  Let set 15 mins. before serving to allow flavors to meld.  While salsa marinates, place tortilla triangles on a baking pan.  Spray with non-stick cooking spray.  Bake for 5-6 mins. or until lightly browned.

Nutrition Information:

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