Cherry tomato is a small variety of tomato cultivated since the 1800s. It is believed to have originated in Peru and northern Chile. Cherry tomatoes vary in size from that of small paneer black grapes to the size of a golf ball; they can also vary in shape from spherical to slightly oblong.
Medicinal benefits
Cherry tomato contains all the four major carotenoids — alpha and beta carotenoids, lutein and lycopene. A diet rich in tomato-based products may help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. When breastfeeding mothers eat tomato products, it is said to increase the concentration of lycopene in their milk. Cherry tomatoes are also rich in potassium.
Now, for a recipe.
Cherry tomato and pine nuts salad
Ingredients
Cherry tomatoes halved: 20 nos.
Roasted pine nuts: 30 gm
Sliced green olives: 5 nos.
Sliced black olives: 5 nos.
Green onion, minced: 2 nos.
Olive oil: 50 ml
Red wine vinegar: 1 tsp
White sugar: 1 tsp
Oregano: 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Crushed pepper: to taste
Method:
In a bowl, combine cherry tomato, green olives, black olives, spring onion and roasted pine nuts. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar and oregano. Season, according to taste, with salt and crushed pepper. Pour over the salad and gently stir to coat. Chill for an hour and serve.
Jr. Sous Chef
Taj Club House
