Wine Country CrossFit

The other great fruit that grows on a vine here in Napa? Ah YES! Tomato season is kicking ass right now!

Here are a few things about tomatoes that should make you run to the local market and pick some of these up STAT. (Even better if you or a happy neighbor has decided to grow these at home–in fact, check this out so you can be on it next year and start your own little tomato factory)

“The tomato is the fruit of the plant Lycopersicon esculentum. (Botanically speaking, tomato is not only a fruit, but also a berry since it is formed from a single ovary.) Originally, tomato was named after the food family to which it belongs – the Solanaceae (sometimes called “solanoid” or “nightshade”) family. The botanical name Solanum lycopersicum for tomatoes has now largely been replaced by the name Lycopersicon esculentum. (The genus/species name Lycopersicon esculentum is also sometimes used to refer to tomatoes.)”¹

“Tomatoes are widely known for their outstanding antioxidant content, including, of course, their oftentimes-rich concentration of lycopene. Researchers have recently found an important connection between lycopene, its antioxidant properties, and bone health…Tomatoes are a treasure of riches when it comes to their antioxidant benefits. In terms of conventional antioxidants, tomatoes provide an excellent amount of vitamin C and beta-carotene; a very good amount of the mineral manganese; and a good amount of vitamin E. In terms of phytonutrients, tomatoes are basically off the chart…Reduced risk of heart disease is an area of health benefits in which tomatoes truly excel. There are two basic lines of research that have repeatedly linked tomatoes to heart health. The first line of research involves antioxidant support, and the second line of research involves regulation of fats in the bloodstream…Prostate cancer is by far the best-researched type of cancer in relationship to tomato intake. The jury verdict here is clear: tomatoes can definitely help lower risk of prostate cancer in men…Research on tomatoes and breast cancer risk has largely focused on the carotenoid lycopene, and there is fairly well documented risk reduction for breast cancer in association with lycopene intake.”¹ Read on here for more and more about this fruit, including how best to store them and some other recipes.

Here’s a handy little review on where to go in Napa for the best places to get tomatoes served to you–you know, like in a restaurant.

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Friday’s WOD

Snatch Balance

5×1
hold at bottom for a count of 3
work at 75% of 1RM

then

AMRAP 15 minutes

30 Walking Lunges with empty bar overhead
20 V-ups
10 Push Ups