INSEASON
tomatoes
Words Cheryl Freedman.
British Tomato Fortnight is 24 May– June 5), so now is the perfect time to celebrate this salad essential
Photograph Stocksy
Everything has a season, even tomatoes. We take it for granted that they’ll be in supermarkets year-round, but the peak growing season in the UK is from June to October. We think of tomatoes as an Italian staple, but they were originally grown by the Aztecs in Central America, not reaching Europe till the 16th century. Part of the nightshade family, they’re related to peppers and potatoes.
Healthwise, tomatoes are a brilliant source of the antioxidant carotenoid lycopene, which is concentrated in the skins – it’s what gives them their colour. Lycopene is linked to multiple health benefits: studies suggest it might fight prostate, stomach and lung cancers, and reduce risk of heart disease, specifically by lowering levels of LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol and blood pressure. Ketchup, pastes and canned tomatoes typically pack in more lycopene; unlike many nutrients, it isn’t destroyed by heat, and in fact, being cooked or processed means it’s better absorbed. But fresh, ripe, seasonal tomatoes are still a worthy source.