Tomato & Tarragon Salad
Tomatoes feature heavily in the Mediterranean diet because they are packed with two important antioxidant nutrients, Vitamin C and Lycopene.
Lycopene is a carotenoid compound responsible for the red colour of tomatoes. These are important to heart health because they reduce lipid peroxidation, a type of naturally occurring damage to polyunsaturated fats. These can cause damage to the blood vessel walls, which may then set the stage for heart disease.
Lycopene also stabilises the DNA structure in the nucleus of skin cells and prevents skin ageing and because it is such a powerful antioxidant it can also prevent skin photodamage. They also contain other anti-inflammatory compounds such as vitamin E and beta carotene.
INGREDIENTS
2 punnets of Cherry, heirloom or small plum tomatoes
1 bunch of tarragon
2 shallots
Extra Virgin Olive oil
Sea salt & pepper
METHOD
Cut the tomatoes in half
Chop the tarragon
Thinly slice the shallots
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl with a good glug of olive oil, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Mix together with your hands and serve in your favourite bowl.
Allow for the flavours to infuse before eating.
