What varieties of organic tomatoes can you find at AranceBio?
In our selection, we offer cuore di bue (oxheart) tomatoes, with a ribbed shape, dense flesh, and few seeds, ideal for salads, and round smooth cluster tomatoes(on the vine), juicy and versatile, excellent both raw and for sauces. In Italy, there are dozens of tomato varieties: among the most well-known are San Marzano, datterino, ciliegino, costoluto, and pomodorino del piennolo, each with a different culinary use.
Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable?
From a botanical perspective, a tomato is a fruit, more precisely a berry, although in cooking it is used as a vegetable. It belongs to the Solanaceae family, the same as eggplants, peppers, and potatoes, and is the fruit of the Solanum lycopersicumplant.
What are the nutritional properties and benefits of tomatoes?
Tomatoes are composed of about 95% water and are a natural source of lycopene, vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin A. Lycopene is the antioxidant responsible for the red color and becomes more absorbable after cooking. With few calories and a good intake of mineral salts, it is a suitable food for a balanced diet.
Why choose organic tomatoes?
Organic tomatoes are grown without pesticides or synthetic chemical fertilizers, in compliance with certified organic farming regulations. The result is a fruit closer to its natural flavor and a more sustainable cultivation for the soil and the environment. Our tomatoes come from Sicilian land, where sun and climate favor ripening and sweetness.
What is the tomato season?
The peak tomato season in Italy runs from June to September, when the fruits ripen in the sun and reach their maximum flavor. Choosing seasonal tomatoes means bringing tastier, more nutrient-rich products to the table with a lower environmental impact.
How are tomatoes stored and used in cooking?
Tomatoes are best stored at room temperature and away from direct light: refrigeration reduces their aroma and texture. In cooking, they are versatile, excellent raw in salads with a drizzle of oil and basil, or cooked for sauces, gravies, and preserves. Cuore di bue is best raw, while round cluster tomatoes are perfect for a quick sauce.
