Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are smaller tomatoes that are generally sweeter than larger tomatoes. They come in different shapes and colors, including yellow, orange, red, green strips and black. Cherry tomatoes are packed full of vitamins including Vitamin A, C, E as well as potassium and other mineral salts.

Usage: Fruit snacks, use in salad, as appetizer or as a garnish.

Selection: When selecting tomatoes in the market, select cherry tomatoes that are big, firm, smooth-skinned and bright colour.

Storage: Refrigerating cherry tomatoes can spoil their flavour, usually people just store them at room temperature and use within a few days.

Health Benefits: A research published in the May 2005 medical journal " Biochimica et Biophysica Acta" indicate that eating tomatoes regularly could reduce the risk of men getting prostate cancer. Tomatoes cantain high level of lycopene （茄红素）, a red carotenoid pigment which can promote prostate health.

For great cherry tomato recipes, you can check out the links below:  

1) Healthy and gluten free bean curd skin with tomato pasta sauce | 健康又美味的无麸质干豆腐皮配意大利番茄酱

2) Dragon fruit and tomato smoothie | 龙珠果番茄沙冰 

References:
1.Livestrong.com: Cherry tomatoes nutrition information
2 Netdoctor.com: The health benefits of tomatoes

Chinese dumplings with tomatoes pasta sauce，avocado dip & homemade hummus dip

Three quick and easy healthy recipes:

1) Chinese dumplings with tomatoes pasta sauce

Ingredients: 8 Chinese dumplings (defrosted), 1 small Prego tomatoes, basil & garlic sauce, 2 cloves garlic (chopped), 1 onion (chopped), 1/2 bell pepper (chopped), few grinds of black pepper and a pinch of salt. 

Preparation: Heat some vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. cook garlic in oil for 1 minute. Stir in onion and bell pepper, and cook until soft. Mix in Prego tomatoes, basil & garlic sauce and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add dumplings and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.

2) Easy avocado dip  (Guacamole) 

Ingredient : 2 ripe avocados, 1  tomatoes (chopped), fresh cilantro (chopped), half lemon juice, few grinds of black pepper and a pinch of salt.   

Preparation: Peel and mash avocados in a serving bowl, stir in chopped tomatoes, fresh cilantro, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Chill for half and hour to blend flavors. Serve with tortilla chips, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes and fruits.   

3) Homemade hummus dip

Ingredient : 2  cloves garlic (chopped), 1 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas, 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste), half lemon juice, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt. 

Preparation: Put the above ingredients in a food processor and blend until creamy and smooth. Transfer to a bowl, cover and chill for 1 hour. Serve with fresh tortilla chips and cherry tomatoes and fresh cut fruits.     

sprout quinoa salad 2

Sprout quinoa salad 1