This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of NatureSweet. All opinions are 100% mine. Do not be fooled when you see NatureSweet Eclipses tomatoes at your local supermarket. They may have a deeper color than a traditional red or green tomato, but that color packs a rich, bold flavor and is loaded with health benefits. Why I Eat Dark Tomatoes Tomatoes are a key component in a healthy human diet. Tomatoes are a major source of lycopene followed by beta–carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. During the ripening process, tomatoes go through a change in pigmentation. All tomatoes start green, then as lycopene accumulates in the skin surface…
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Tomatoes: Grocery Store Verses Growing Your Own
Springtime! Time to plant those tomatoes… AND STOP BUYING GROCERY STORE TOMATOES. I am absolutely sick of grocery store tomatoes! The skins are so tough and waxy! To me, they really have no flavor at all. Did you know…. growers are paid by the pound to propagate and deliver tomatoes to grocery store distributors Did you know... the majority of grocery store tomatoes have a genetic mutation called the GLK protein, which actually promotes uniformity, and their bright red color; however, reduces their natural sugars and sweetness Did you know… commercial growers pick tomatoes while they are still green, before they ripen, then spray them with…
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Should We Worry About Lycopene in Our Food?
At a loyal reader’s request, I am taking a look at Lycopene in our food and if it can benefit a healthy lifestyle. Subscriber, Renee G said, “LYCOPENE: I would love to know what foods have it, how the body uses it, and if there is research showing effects on skin cancer rates.” What is Lycopene? (Lie-co-peen) – is a chemical compound that gives some vegetables and fruits, their vibrant color. Found in watermelons, pink grapefruits, apricots, guava, papaya, and red oranges; and particularly high amounts in tomatoes and tomato products. In North America, 85% of dietary lycopene comes from tomato products such as tomato juice or paste. One…
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EASY Freezing For My Summer Garden
As of today, my garden has rendered a great harvest, more than enough for my husband and I. I have been doing research and I am trying several methods to “preserve” my summer harvest. All fruits and vegetables have enzymes and bacteria that can destroy the nutrients, change the color and texture of the food. Blanching is a heat treatment that will destroy these enzymes. My first harvest I tried the blanch then freeze method. Although not difficult, it did take most of an evening to complete the process for all my squash and peppers. Do not allow the vegetables to sit on the counter more than 24 hours before…
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My Garden First Crop
My garden first crop was 2 yellow crooked neck squash and 1 zephyr squash. Both are delicious! Both varieties have the same texture and flavor. The Zephyr is the one with the green tip. According to “SpecialityProduce.com” Zephyr squash is a relatively new type of summer squash and botanically a part of Cucurbita pepo. A highly productive hybrid variety the Zephyr is a constricted neck type of squash, similar to that of yellow crook neck squash. It was bred specifically to have superior taste, quality and adaptability. Its fruit can be harvested at varying stages of maturity, with the medium size of five to seven inches being the most recommended…
