
Tomatoes are excellent sources of potassium, folic acid and Vitamins A, C and E.
Did you know that eating tomatoes could possibly help to burn fat? A study from the University of California-Davis found the amounts of quercitin and kaempferol, the main compounds found in tomatoes, to be higher in organically grown tomatoes than conventionally grown tomatoes.
Tomatoes also contain important anti-inflammatory nutrients called carotenoids and bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids, concentrated in the tomato skin, may counteract inflammation and allergic reactions. When you reduce inflammation, you can possibly make your weight loss hormones, such as leptin, work properly, allowing you to lose weight. Leptin is your body's natural weight control mechanism, playing an important role in appetite control and metabolism.
So, without further adieu, here are a few of our favorite tomato recipes. Both can be canned easily for those winter days when you just need a cheery boost of summer.

by Tara Forsburg
This soup is the best I've ever had! It's all tomato and no cream, making it perfect for long-term shelf storage (though there is a bit of butter).
14 quarts ripe tomatoes
7 medium sized onions
1 stalk celery
14 sprigs parsley
3 bay leaves
14 tbsp. flour
14 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. salt
8 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. pepper
Wash and cut up tomatoes. Put in large pot.
Chop onions, celery, parsley, bay leaves. Add to the tomatoes.
Cook over medium heat until celery is tender.
Put through a sieve. Return to heat and simmer.
In a small skillet/pot, melt butter and add flour to get a smooth paste (a traditional roux).
Add tomato juice to thin. Add to boiling soup; stir to prevent scorching. Add salt, sugar, and pepper to taste.
For smoother consistency, put through the sieve again.
Fill pint-size jars within one inch of top. Put on cap and screw band on firmly. Process in boiling water bath 15 minutes. Yield 10 pints.

(Base Recipe)
by Tara Forsburg
This salsa is very mild, and the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
In a food processor pulse (but don't liquify):
4 large ripe tomatoes
1 red bell pepper
2 tomatillos
half a sweet onion
3 cloves of garlic
2 tsp. sea salt
a few cracks of black pepper
1 Tablespoon of raw honey
the juice of 3 lemons or 4 limes
approx. one Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
For a greater kick, simply add a hot pepper or two. You can also add a bit of cilantro just before use.
The longer it sits, the better it tastes!