Article:
Due to an increasing awareness of nutritional issues, salsas
have become the best selling condiment in North America. This is
largely because they are low in cholesterol, fat, and calories
and because they provide a great way to add flavor to even the
dullest of dishes.
Salsas are traditionally spicy and vegetable based and can be
cooked or uncooked, but there are many variations of salsa.
Tomato salsas are great with chicken or beef but you might want
to try a mango based salsa over fish tacos or even pork
tenderloin. A sweet Pineapple based salsa goes great with
blackened seafood or chicken and compliments the smoky, spicy
flavor. For a great tasting fruity salsa try the melon like
flavor of papaya blended with spicy hot peppers, this creates a
mouth watering topping for chicken or pork.
Salsa has become the best selling condiment and has recently
pushed ketchup right out of the top-selling spotlight. We appear
to be returning to a healthier way of eating and salsa does more
than bring color and variety to a plate, salsa can round out the
nutritional needs of any meal.
Some Salsa Nutritional Facts:
Tomatoes contain lycopene, the carotenoid pigment that turns
tomatoes to red and may help to prevent some forms of cancer by
lessening the damage caused by free radicals. Tomatoes are also
a good source of beta carotene and potassium.
Onions are low in calories yet add abundant flavor to a wide
variety of foods. With only 45 calories per serving, onions are
fat and cholesterol free, very low in sodium, high in vitamin C,
and a good source of fiber and other key nutrients. Onions
contain generous amounts of a flavonoid called quercetin. Other
sources are tea and apples, but research shows that absorption
of quercetin from onions is twice that from tea and more than
three times that from apples. Studies have shown that quercetin
protects against cataracts, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Garlic is a tasty addition to any salsa and the aromatic
seasoning that people either love or hate. It's been said that
if garlic had been created in the laboratory instead of by
nature, it would probably be a high-priced prescription drug.
That's how really good it is. Medical studies have shown that
garlic can lower cholesterol, prevent dangerous blood clots,
reduce blood pressure, prevent cancer, and protect against
bacterial and fungal infections.
Jalapeño Peppers are a good source of vitamin C, folate and
vitamin A but are not the only pepper that can be used in salsa.
Here are some examples of different peppers that can be used and
they are ranked from mild to hot.
* El Paso (Very mild) * Anaheim * Jalapeno * Serrano * Cayenne *
Tabasco * Red Chile * Chiltecpin * Kumataka * Habanero (One of
the hottest - 30 to 50 times hotter than a Jalapeno)
Isn't it nice to know that when we smother our food with salsa,
we are adding the great nutritional benefits of fruits and
vegetables?
So this summer when you find yourself with an abundance of
tomatoes from your garden try making some healthy homemade
salsa. If you are interested in some great tasting salsa recipes
or have some you would like to share go to
Penny Mohney
About the author:
Penny's Tomatoes --
"Penny's Tomatoes is the place to go for Salsa recipes, Growing
Tomatoes, tips on growing Tomato Plants with Sweet Tomatoes and
Heirloom Tomatoes. No Rotten Tomatoes here.
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