Nan Jensen, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Pinellas County Extension
There is nothing better than biting into a sandwich topped with a sweet juicy tomato or sitting down to a crisp green salad packed with lots of bright red tomatoes that have that fresh from the garden flavor. Meet Tasti-Lee™, a special tomato variety developed by the University of Florida. It has all the characteristics you want in a tomato- great taste, a juicy texture and a bright red color. Not only are you getting all those qualities as well as vitamins A and C and the mineral potassium, this variety contains a higher amount of lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant, which means that it reduces the amount of damage done to body cells by oxygen. This damage can eventually lead to cancers, heart disease, and other illnesses. Research is currently underway to look explore the health benefits of this compound.
Tomatoes taste best if not refrigerated, so when you bring your tomatoes home, store them at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Tasti-Lee™ tomatoes do have a shorter shelf life than other varieties so make sure to use them soon after you purchase.
Whether it’s a classic Italian salad you crave or a fresh salsa for dipping or topping, enjoy the new “Fresh from Florida” Tasti-Lee™. For recipes ideas, and more information on this variety, click on the links below.
Tasit-LeeTM Official Fact Sheet
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