Welcome to Tasty Tidbits, your go-to guide for making the most out of the fresh, local produce that you find at Alabama farmers markets! Brought to you by Live Well Alabama, each edition highlights a delicious fruit or vegetable, providing nutrition facts, simple storage and cooking tips, and new recipe ideas. Get ready to explore fresh flavors, boost your meals with nutritious ingredients, and enjoy the best of what Alabama’s farms have to offer.

Nutrition Nuggets

• Low in calories and sodium.
• Supports heart, eye, and immune-system health.
• Contains lycopene, which is associated with a reduced risk of cancer.

How to Store

• Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight.
• Once ripe, use within 1 week.
• Taste best if not refrigerated. Refrigerate only if you can’t use them before they spoil.
• May be stored in the freezer for 12 months.

How to Prepare

• Wash and dry.
• Remove the stem.
• Dice or cut into slices or wedges.

How to Enjoy

• Dice or chop for a salad.
• Slice for a sandwich or burger.
• Add to soups.
• Roast in the oven.
• Make into a tasty sauce or salsa.

Did You Know? There are 25,000 varieties of tomatoes such as beefsteak, cherry, and Roma 

Recipes

Salsa

Ingredients

• 4 large Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup white onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped 
• 1 small garlic clove, minced 
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice 
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 jalapeño, seeded (optional)

Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl and enjoy.
• Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Tomato Soup

Ingredients

• 10 to 12 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 
• 1/2 large onion, cut into large wedges 
• 1/2 cup water (or vegetable/chicken stock)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• Basil or parsley (optional)

Directions

• Melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan.
• Add tomatoes, onions, water (stock), salt, and basil/parsley.
• Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 40 minutes.
• Stir occasionally, adding salt as needed.
• Blend or stir together.

Oven-Roasted Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 6 medium Roma tomatoes, halved lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon oil 
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced 
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 
• Salt and pepper to taste 

Directions

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. 
• Combine oil, vinegar, and garlic in a small bowl.
• Line a baking sheet with foil and place tomatoes cut side up.
• Drizzle the oil mixture evenly and season with salt and pepper.
• Roast for 20 to 30 minutes or until tender.

Learn More

For more Tasty Tidbits, visit www.LiveWellAlabama.com.

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