Red, round and sweet; yellow, pear-formed and mellow; purple, heart-shaped and mild; green, ovoid and tangy: tomatoes come in all shapes and sizes. They are one of the most popular, delicious and versatile cookery ingredients available. This extensively researched guide encompasses every aspect of the tomato - from its history and many varieties to the multitude of ways to cook it and eat it. The informative introductory section starts with the history of the tomato, and includes advice about what to look for when buying tomatoes and how to store them. There are hints for growing your own tomatoes - whether you have a small patio or a large vegetable plot, you can grow your own deliciously sweet varieties. When the tomato season is over, there are several ways to preserve them so you can enjoy their flavour well into the winter - from freezing and drying to bottling and making chutneys. If you haven't had time to preserve your own tomatoes, then the wide range of ready-prepared tomato products available is described - from the ubiquitous and ever-popular canned tomatoes to the more exotic sun-dried tomatoes and sugacosa, there are tomato products at your disposal in various forms all year round. The flavour of tomatoes can be enhanced by the addition of fresh herbs and spices - a sprig or two of fresh basil can lift a cherry tomato to new heights, while roasted vine tomatoes with fresh rosemary are mouthwateringly delicious. You can find out all about classic combinations of tomatoes with herbs and spices, plus a few tasty new partnerships. Whether you want a soup, a snack, a main course, or side dish, the comprehensive recipe section of the book has something for everyone. There are ideas for starters and salads, vegetarian, meat or fish dishes, plenty of new ideas and many old favourites. What could be more appetizing on a hot summer's day than a bowl of Iced Tomato and Vodka Soup or cool, refreshing Gazpacho topped with Avacado Salsa? Try Onions Stuffed with Goat's Cheese and Sun-dried Tomatoes for an impressive starter or Roasted Plum Tomatoes with Garlic for a tasty lunch. Tomatoes are popular worldwide and there is a wide range of international recipes to choose from - try the classic French Ratatouille, hearty Spanish Pork and Sausage Casserole or exotic Moroccan Chickpea Tagine. This book will inspire and help you get the most out of one of the most delicious and colourful ingredients available ever.