• Article Author: Red Jen
•  

I love this time of year where the farmers’ markets and backyard gardens are overflowing with ripe, juicy tomatoes, and sweet corn is still bursting with summer flavor. And yet, the first pumpkins are here, reminding us that autumn is just around the corner… 

There’ll be plenty of time to enjoy pumpkins and winter squash in the months ahead, so why not consider this time of transition as the last hoorah of summer?  Besides, peak season for plump and juicy tomatoes runs through October, so savor summer’s sweet ending: grab some tomatoes, slice them into bite-size pieces and toss them with fresh, raw corn kernels (yes, raw is fine – don’t waste your time cooking away their sweetness!).  Add a big handful or two of fresh, chopped basil leaves, some fresh-squeezed lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil (which helps increase absorption of tomatoes’ anti-oxidants), salt and pepper, and you’ve got a bright, zippy salad that truly showcases the late summer!

You can now find ripe tomatoes in a rainbow of colors with names like Cherokee Purple, Black Brandywine, Golden Jubilee, Green Zebra and pink Japanese heirloom varieties.  The darkest colored tomatoes have the highest concentration of the super powerful carotenoid, lycopene  which may help reduce the incidence of cancer - namely, prostate, stomach, lung and breast — as well as lower a person’s chance of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.  Plus, tomatoes have high concentrations of vitamins A, C, and E whose anti-oxidant properties help fight aging.  With all these nutritional benefits and less than 30 calories per one cup serving, tomatoes provide serious bang for your bite!

To find the best tasting, naturally ripened tomatoes, shop at your local farm stands or farmers’ markets, or pick from a friend’s overflowing garden.  (The tomatoes at the grocery store are typically picked before ripening and “gassed” to ripen before stocking; so while they might look ripe, that won’t taste ripe.)  Plus, organic and sustainably grown fruits have the greatest concentrations of nutrients.  To choose sweet, ripe tomatoes, use your senses.  They should feel heavy for their size, smell garden fresh, and be a bit soft to the touch.  Never refrigerate whole tomatoes as this will make them mushy or mealy; try to keep them at room temperature and if you must, cut them up before refrigerating. 

Yes, even in Southern California we really do have seasons!  Come and witness these seasonal changes yourself through the offerings at your local farmers markets and farm stands.  Check out the gorgeous colors and aromas, and find inspiration for your healthful, seasonal home-cooking.

Your Fabulous Food tip brought to you by Red Jen Ford, Certified Holistic Health Coach and Yoga Instructor.  As Manager of the Westwood Farmers Market, located in the Vets Garden and open Thursdays from Noon to 6 PM, Jen teaches her customers and busy clients the simplicity of eating local, sustainably grown food.  Starting with incredibly fresh and tasty ingredients makes putting a healthy meal on the table quick and easy!  Learn to savor the season and make small changes to live a fabulous, healthy and more balanced life!

More About Red Jen