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Healthy Eating Habits

Tomatoes

Tomatoes

Don’t tomatoes seem to have the very taste of
summer in them? Even if you eat this vegetable (or is it a fruit?*) all year, summer is a great time to enjoy tomatoes at their flavorful peak. Tomatoes have key nutrients for preschoolers too. Just 1/3 cup chopped fresh tomatoes are a good source of the antioxidant vitamins A (from beta-carotene) and vitamin C for young children. Tomatoes also have potassium (140 mg in 1/3 cup); a nutrient many preschoolers do not get enough of each day. Try these add-ins, activities and recipes to get your preschooler excited about eating tomatoes this season.

Delicious tomato add-ins

Chopped fresh tomatoes make a great addition to almost every meal of the day.

  • Add chopped fresh tomatoes to scrambled eggs or omelettes
  • Decorate the top of your preschooler’s cream cheese or bagel with chopped tomato
  • Put thinly sliced tomatoes inside a grilled cheese sandwich
  • Serve with your preschooler’s favorite dip for snacking
  • Add to green beans, peas, rice or corn for a colorful side dish
  • Sprinkle over baked or mashed potato
  • Slice fresh tomatoes for your next homemade pizza, instead of sauce
  • Puree with black beans for a tasty, nutritious dip for crackers or cooked vegetable dices

How does your garden grow?

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow, lending themselves easily to the garden or a planter. Gardening is a wonderful experience for preschoolers and one that most will enjoy. Start small to ensure success. An already growing tomato plant from the garden center is probably your best bet. Leave it in the pot, out of reach of backyard animals if possible. Have your preschooler check the soil each day and water the plant when needed. Place a ruler in the pot to show your preschooler how high the plant is growing or use a measuring tape. Grow a few different varieties (plum, cherry, etc.) so your preschooler can compare the differences in growing, appearance, and taste. Put in a sunny spot and cross your fingers that you and your child will be able to pick a few this summer to enjoy.

*Tomato Sleuth: Head to your local library this summer and help your preschooler learn if a tomato is a vegetable?? Or a fruit??

TOMATO Recipes adapted from meals.com

Ingredients
1/2 cup BUITONI® Refrigerated Marinara Sauce 4 ounces thinly sliced part skim mozzarella cheese
2 mini 8-inch whole wheat pizza crusts (such as Boboli) About 2 tablespoons small fresh basil leaves (shredded, if desired)
2 small Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced

Instructions

Estimated Times
Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 8 mins


Servings: 2 pizzas, 4 servings total


PREHEAT oven to 450° F. Place crusts on baking sheet.

SPREAD marinara sauce evenly over each crust to within 1 inch of edge. Top each evenly with tomato and cheese slices.

BAKE for 8 to 10 minutes or until crust is crisp and cheese is melted. Top with basil before serving.

Ingredients
2 cups (8 oz.) dry wagon wheel or rotelle pasta 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup frozen shelled edamame (shelled soybeans) 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half
2 cups (8-oz. pkg.) shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend or other cheese blend

Instructions

Estimated Times
Preparation Time: 5 mins
Cooking Time: 15 mins


Servings: 4 servings


COOK pasta according to package directions, adding edamame to boiling pasta water for last 2 minutes of cooking time; drain.

MEANWHILE, COMBINE evaporated milk, cheese, garlic powder and black pepper in medium saucepan. Cook over medium low heat, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted. Remove from heat.

ADD pasta and edamame to cheese sauce; stir until combined. Add tomatoes; stir gently until combined.


Tips
  • Look for edamame in the frozen food or organic section of your local store.
  • Frozen peas can be used in place of edamame.