Tomato Carpaccio

Tomatoes are one of the true highlights of summer, reaching their sweetest, juiciest, and most flavourful when they’re naturally in season. This simple Tomato Carpaccio celebrates the tomato in its purest form, allowing its vibrant taste and beautiful colors to shine with just a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. With so few ingredients, choosing ripe, high-quality tomatoes makes all the difference.

Beyond their incredible flavor, tomatoes are packed with nutrients that support overall health. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system and helps protect cells from oxidative stress, as well as vitamin K, an important nutrient for normal blood clotting and maintaining healthy bones. Tomatoes also provide potassium, folate and a range of beneficial plant compounds. (Collins et al., 2022).

One of the most well-known compounds found in tomatoes is lycopene, the natural pigment responsible for their rich red color. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. A comprehensive review of the scientific literature concluded that regular consumption of tomatoes and tomato products is associated with a range of potential health benefits, including supporting cardiovascular health, healthy aging, the gut microbiome and metabolic health, although more high-quality human studies are still needed in some areas.

Research also suggests that higher intakes of tomatoes and lycopene are associated with a lower risk of several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and some cancers. An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses found that tomato and lycopene intake were linked with reduced risks of all-cause mortality, coronary heart disease, stroke and prostate cancer. While these findings are encouraging, they reflect overall dietary patterns rather than the effects of a single food. (Li et al., 2021).

Serving fresh tomatoes with olive oil, as in this recipe, offers another advantage. Because lycopene is fat-soluble, pairing tomatoes with a source of healthy fat can improve its absorption, allowing your body to make better use of this valuable antioxidant.

Whether enjoyed as a light starter, colorful side dish or part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal, this Tomato Carpaccio is a delicious reminder that the simplest recipes often let the very best seasonal ingredients do all the talking.