Tomatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients, found in every household. It is a fruit that is often consumed as a vegetable and is mostly used to flavour savoury dishes like curries. Being an integral part of Indian cuisine, it is used in both raw and cooked forms, right from the salads to sauces and drinks. But there is another variety of this gorgeous fruit called cherry tomato that is not so prevalent in India but has numerous uses and lots of health benefits. These tiny and cute tomatoes are essential for adding delicious punch to dishes like pasta, baked savoury dishes, sauces, soups and salads.
Cherry tomatoes are available in many shades, apart from red like orange, yellow, purple and green and have an amazing nutritional profile. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. They are also a good source of fibre and have very few calories and according to Healthline, cherry tomatoes have a higher amount of antioxidants as compared to other varieties.
Health Benefits Of Cherry Tomatoes
1. Protects Against Diseases
The nutrients like flavonoids present in the fruit play an important role in fighting against the components that are responsible for diseases like cancer and diabetes. Its compounds are also said to be beneficial in controlling oxidative stress.
2. Promotes Skin Health
According to Healthline, the antioxidants and carotenoids present in the cherry tomatoes help in protecting against the harmful ultraviolet rays which can cause dry skin, wrinkles, discoloration and other skin problems and keeping it hydrated.
3. Improves Bone And Heart Health
The lycopene in the cherry tomato improves bone health and reduces the risk of stroke, inflammation and blood clotting. These little fruits are also beneficial for regulating blood pressure due to their potassium content which further prevents cardiovascular diseases, hence keeping the heart healthy.
4. Supports Weight-loss
As they are low in sodium and saturated fats, it is ideal for including them in a weight-loss diet. Therefore, rather than crunching fried and sugar-based snacks for untimely hunger pangs go for cherry tomatoes and the high-content of fibre and water can also make you feel full for a longer duration.
Here are two easy recipes to include cherry tomato in your meal:
1. Cherry Tomato Bruschetta
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes (diced)
- 1/3 cup basil leaves (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 French baguette
- 1/4 cup balsamic drizzle
Method:
- In a mixing bowl, add cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, two tablespoons olive oil, and salt.
- Mix everything and set aside.
- Slice the baguette for about ⅔-inch think. Place the slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides with the remaining olive oil.
- Broil for about two minutes on each side or until a golden-brown crust.
- Top the baguette slices with tomato and basil mixture and balsamic drizzle. Serve and enjoy!
2. Cherry Tomato Egg Curry
Ingredients:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- 1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
- 1 clove garlic (crushed)
- 1 piece ginger (grated)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 500 gm cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander to garnish (chopped)
Method:
- Place the eggs in a medium pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat, cover, and let stand for ten minutes to hard-boil.
- Transfer to a bowl of cold ice water to cool, then peel the eggs and slice them in half.
- Warm the oil in a heavy sauté pan over medium heat, and add the onion.
- Fry gently for five minutes, until softened, then add the garlic and ginger.
- Sauté for 30 seconds more, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Then add the turmeric, garam masala, coriander, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir together for two minutes, then tip in the halved cherry tomatoes.
- Cook together, for about ten minutes, until the tomatoes begin to wilt and release their juices.
- Then season with salt to taste.
- Gently lower the eggs into the cherry tomato sauce, and stir carefully.
- Garnish with fresh coriander, and serve with rice.