April is Fresh Florida Tomato Month, Check Out These Recipes for Guacamole Tomato Boats and Peach Tomato Salsa!

April is Fresh Florida Tomato Month and thanks to Produce for Kids here are some great recipes to encourage your kids to consume this delicious source of vitamins and antioxidants.

Our plants aren’t big enough yet to bear fruit, but either way, I definitely want to checkout and try these delicious looking recipes.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans eat between 22- 24 pounds of tomatoes per person, per year. (More than half of that consumption is ketchup and tomato sauce.) In addition, the tomato is the fourth most popular fresh-market vegetable behind potatoes, lettuce, and onions in the U.S.

Most people know that tomatoes are good for you, but how many people know why? Here are some fun facts about tomatoes from PFK Pop advisory board member and Registered Dietician, Estela Schnelle:

– Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, & potassium

– Tomatoes are also one of the foods that contain the highest amount of Lycopene, which is the pigment that give tomatoes, and certain fruits and vegetables their color

– Lycopene appears to have antioxidant capabilities and is very good for the eyes

– Research shows that a diet rich in Lycopene may be associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer and heart disease

Produce for Kids is a fantastic resource to help parents and kids learn about the benefits of consuming fresh produce by providing healthful meal solutions, videos, podcasts and much, much more. The site even hosts an advisory board made up of parents with a wide range of expertise who can provide additional tools and resources on how you can easily incorporate fruits and veggies into your family’s daily routine.

Check out the following Produce for Kids recipes:

Guacamole Tomato Boats

Serves 2

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

Ingredients:

· 2 medium tomatoes on the vine

· 8 Tbsp. guacamole (liberal tablespoonfuls)

· 8 Tbsp. salsa

· 4 Tbsp. grated cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400° F or turn broiler on High.
2. Wash and dry tomatoes.
3. Slice tomatoes in half, cross section wise, and scoop out the insides, being careful not to puncture/tear the bottom of the tomato half.
4. With open side of tomato facing up, fill with guacamole, then salsa, and garnish with cheddar cheese.
5. Bake/broil until cheese melts, then remove from oven.

Nutrition Information:

Guacamole Tomato Boats Calories 365; Fat ; Protein ; Carbohydrate ; Fiber 7.2g; Cholesterol 1.5mg; Sodium 484mg; Calcium 16%DV; Vitamin A 62%DV; Vitamin C 97%DV; Iron 8%DV

Peach Tomato Salsa

Serves 4

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

Ingredients:

· 2 tomatoes

· 1 medium nectarine peeled and chopped

· 1 medium peach, peeled and chopped

· ¼ cup Vidalia® onion, chopped

· 2 Tbsp. lime juice

· 3 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped

· 1/8 tsp. salt

· Additional Meal Items:

· 1 seedless cucumber, sliced

· 4 corn tortillas, 6-inch diameter, cut into 8 triangles

· Nonstick cooking spray

· 1 cup low-fat milk or juice

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a medium serving bowl, gently combine the tomatoes, peaches and onion. Gently stir in the lime juice, cilantro and salt. Let set 15 mins. before serving to allow flavors to meld. While salsa marinates, place tortilla triangles on a baking pan. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. Bake for 5-6 mins. or until lightly browned.

Nutrition Information:
Peach Tomato Salsa Calories Calories 220 (69% carbohydrate, 20% protein, 12% fat); Fat ; Protein ; Carbohydrate ; Fiber 4g; Cholesterol 12mg; Sodium 240mg; Calcium 34% DV; Vitamin A 27% DV; Vitamin C 30% DV; Iron 5% DV