Tomato sandwiches: From backyard snack to nutritional powerhouse
At first glance, a tomato sandwich seems like an ordinary snack. However, its taste can surprise you, and it might just become a regular part of your diet. What does it contain?
6:46 PM EDT, October 4, 2024
Today it's hard to believe, but in the 16th century, when tomatoes arrived in Europe from Central America, they were considered poisonous. This was partly because their leaves resembled those of the mandrake, a plant surrounded by mythical tales. Initially, tomatoes were grown solely for decoration in gardens and arbors. It wasn't until two centuries later that their culinary qualities were appreciated, primarily by cooking them into a pulp, which led to the creation of tomato sauce.
Today, over 400 varieties of tomatoes are grown worldwide. The "raspberry" tomato type works excellently on a sandwich, and with a few enhancements, you can create an irresistible snack. How do you prepare such a treat?
Tomato – nutritional values
Tomatoes are worth eating in any form because they offer tremendous nutritional benefits. They are a rich source of lycopene, a pigment that gives them their intense red color. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that effectively combats free radicals, accelerating aging and promoting cardiovascular diseases and cancer (an appropriate dose of lycopene can reduce the risk of prostate and colon cancer).
One large tomato can fulfill nearly half of your daily vitamin C requirement. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, protects against infections, slows aging, and regulates the circulatory system. Tomatoes are also rich in vitamins A, E, and B and several minerals, especially potassium. Potassium is vital for maintaining proper blood pressure and regulating the body's water balance.
Recipe for a delicious tomato sandwich
The main ingredient of our sandwich is a firm and ripe tomato. It doesn't have to be a "raspberry" variety; others, such as the meaty "beefsteak," work just as well.
A slice of cheese, in this case, provolone, enhances the snack's flavor. Provolone originates from Campania, a region in Italy near Vesuvius, and is now also produced in Piedmont, Lombardy, and Veneto. It starts sweet and creamy and becomes more refined and spicy as it matures, pairing excellently with tomatoes.
The last essential component of the sandwich is avocado, which replaces butter and adds both flavor and nutritional value.
Wet two slices of bread with water and toast them on a hot pan until golden brown. Spread a bit of avocado on them, add a slice of provolone cheese and some fresh basil, and top with a thick slice of tomato. Sprinkle the sandwich with salt. It's ready to enjoy!
