Ripe tomatoes contain lycopene, a phytochemical good for healthy hearts. And unlike most fresh produce (tomatoes are actually fruits), the benefits are retained, even if cooked. Today, the two best-selling brands are Campbell’s (made with glucose-fructose sugar) and Heinz (contains modified cornflour and dried skimmed milk – a recent taste-test had it beaten to 6th place, by Aldi).
This Creamy Tomato Soup (Crowded Kitchen) gets its rich flavour from roasted tomatoes, garlic and onion. Keep these soups away from pets, due to toxic ingredients. Don’t feed leftover croutons or crusty bread to birds, it can choke. Also don’t give buttered bread to birds (the fat can smear on feathers, affecting waterproofing/insulation).
Back in medieval days, ‘soppes’ was eaten with the hands, for those who could not afford spoons. When tomatoes arrived from Latin America in the 16th century (their name is Aztec for ‘plum thing with a navel!), they were not eaten as people were scared, due to them being of the deadly nightshade family). It was only just over 100 years ago when Joseph Campbell created a ready-made tomato soup in a can. Try this Tomato Basil Creamy Soup (Dishing Out Health).
where to buy good tomato soup
If you want to stash a few cans of tomato soup in the cupboard, choose Suma (sold online or find in health stores). This tinned brand (no can opener needed) is made with organic ingredients, and far tastier. Made with natural ingredients including palm-oil-free vegetable bouillon and concentrated vegetable juices, it even has a little spicy turmeric.
Heinz has recently released a vegan version of its classic cream of tomato soup. It’s scored 5 out of 5 in taste tests, with most saying they could not tell the difference.
