How can I make tomato sauce?

A true Italian tomato sauce can take hours to cook, with the tomatoes slowly simmering away until they’re finally ready. For a quick alternative, use tinned tomatoes, adding a dollop of tomato puree to thicken the sauce.

Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable?

Remember this one for your next pub quiz! It’s actually both. That’s because fruit is a botanical category: the part of the plant that has the seeds, while vegetable just refers to how we use it in the kitchen. Peppers, cucumbers and aubergines also straddle both categories.

When did Europeans start eating tomatoes?

Tomatoes were one of the first things that Europeans brought back from the Americas after they landed there in 1492. They need a warm, sunny climate, so they soon became a regular part of Mediterranean cuisine.

Can you eat green tomatoes?

Yes, but you can’t treat them like their red cousins. Green tomatoes are a lot firmer, so the Americans like to slice them, coat them in cornmeal and fry them, then serve them with a sour cream dipping dipping sauce. Green tomato chutney is an Indian favourite, but it will take you a few hours to prepare.

How do you store fresh tomatoes?

The experts reckon that the fridge is not tomato-friendly, as the chilled temperature will destroy their flavour and turn them to mush. Instead, you should store them stem-side down and keep them out of direct sunlight.

Can you freeze fresh tomatoes?

You can, but they’ll lose their texture when you defrost them. Frozen tomatoes should only be used in sauces and soups.

How long do tomatoes last in the fridge?

Generally, whole tomatoes should last about two weeks. However, you’ll get a better flavour if you keep them out of the fridge.

Best Tomato Recipes

Are they veggies or fruit? When they're this tasty, who cares? Tasty tomato recipes are a must for any kitchen wizard. Whether you're making a salad or a curry, tomatoes are a versatile, wholesome addition. Check out these quick and easy recipes.

Get inspired

Take a Trip Around the World with Tomato Recipes

Tomatoes may be native to Central America, but today you'll find them in every corner of the globe. There's a reason for that: they're tasty, versatile, and a great addition to so many meals! Why not liven up your dinner table with one of these great global recipes?

Mexican: The Mexicans were the first to cultivate the tomato, and it's still found in every kitchen across the country. You'll need to sharpen your knife skills to make a really good Mexican-style tomato salsa. Finely chop those tomatoes along with red onion, coriander leaves and as much fresh chilli as you dare. Add lime juice and corn, and you've got a great side dish to go with a fish fillet or a tasty topping for your favourite tacos.

Italian: Tomato sauce for pasta is an all-time classic, but why stop there? Try this tomato and mozzarella risotto for a comforting treat - it's got all the flavours of a classic Margherita pizza, but served in a totally new way. As well as tomato risotto and tomato pasta sauce, the Italians have mastered the art of using these red delights in starters. Finely chopped tomato and basil on bruschetta is a great way to start your meal, while basil, mozzarella and tomato salad is an all-time classic. Just make sure you've got good olive oil to drizzle on top.

Indian: Tomatoes really have travelled all over the world. They're a must in jalfrezi, a veg-loaded curry that will warm you up on a chilly night. Try some tomato chutney with your poppadoms, but be warned, the Indian version has far more of a kick than your granny's jars!

Show Off Your Inner Chef with Tomato Recipes

Want to impress your guests with your chef skills? Here are some top tips to have the whole table oohing and aahing over your meal:

Garnish: Your favourite tomato soup recipe might just be the ultimate comfort food. Take it to the next level with a very simple garnish. Roll up some basil leaves and finely slice them. They'll come out in long, delicate strands worthy of any kitchen. To make your tomato and basil soup even more impressive, add a dollop of crème fraîche to the middle of the bowl and let each diner stir it in.

Macerate: Tomatoes go so well with balsamic vinegar. You probably already know about splashing the black stuff over a salad, but have you tried a balsamic and roasted tomato soup? Let the tomatoes sit for a few minutes in vinegar before putting them into the oven. They'll come out with a rich, complex flavour, and all you need to do is whizz them up into soup.

Season: Why do tomatoes taste so much better when you're on holiday in Italy or Spain? Let's be honest; the Irish climate leaves a little to be desired. Try adding a tiny dash of sugar to your tomato sauce. You don't need much - it shouldn't actually taste sweet, but a sprinkle of the white stuff will give your tomatoes that sunkissed taste.

Go small: An authentic Italian tomato sauce takes hours to prepare. Speed it up by using tomato passata, which is already cooked and sieved, or by choosing cherry tomatoes. These speedy little fellas cook up in no time, turning into tiny flavour bombs. Try them in this chilli and cherry tomato orzo.

Best Tomato Recipes

Harissa Beef Loaded Flatbread

Sweet Chilli Maple Pork Ribs

Mexican Spiced Chicken Salad

Warm Goat's Cheese and Apple Salad

Pea and Cannellini Bean Curry

Ketjap Manis Glazed Beef Tacos

Creamy Chicken Korma Baked Naan

Chipotle Black Bean Burrito Bowl

Pulled Pork and Cranberry Pie

Cheesy Chicken Burger with Ballymaloe Relish

Rigatoni au Gratin

Sweet Chilli Glazed Salmon

Tomato and Mozzarella Risotto

Pork Chilli Loaded Naan

Turkey Mince and Black Bean Tacos

Pesto Chicken and Mozzarella Salad

Mexican Bean Loaded Wedges

Roast Tomato and Bell Pepper Soup

Gochujang Glazed Chicken Burger

Easy Breezy Veggie Burrito Bowl

Cacio e Pepe

Sweet Soy Chicken Tacos

Mushroom and Cheese Baked Tacos

Cheese and Chorizo Quesadillas

Mexican Quinoa Salad

Fish Tacos in Curried Aioli

Crispy Crumbed Turkey Breast

Loaded Couscous Tomato Salad

Beef Rump in Sweet and Spicy Sauce

Beef in Creamy Dijon Sauce

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Get inspired

Take a Trip Around the World with Tomato Recipes

Show Off Your Inner Chef with Tomato Recipes

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