How many calories are in 2 slices of beefsteak tomato?

Tomatoes are a nutritious addition to many meals and snacks. When watching your calorie intake, it’s helpful to know the calorie count of foods you eat often. In this article, we’ll look at how many calories are in 2 slices of beefsteak tomato.

What Are Beefsteak Tomatoes?

Beefsteak tomatoes are a large variety of tomato that are juicy and flavorful. They are one of the most common varieties of slicing tomatoes found in grocery stores.

Some key facts about beefsteak tomatoes:

  • They are a heirloom variety of tomato, meaning they are an older type that has not been hybridized.
  • Beefsteak tomatoes are some of the largest varieties of slicing tomatoes, often weighing over 1 pound each.
  • They are juicy, meaty, and have a rich umami flavor.
  • The beefsteak tomato is a bright red color when ripe.
  • It has a good balance of sweetness and acidity.
  • Beefsteak tomatoes have dense, juicy flesh making them ideal for sandwiches, burgers, salads and using fresh in recipes.

Overall, beefsteak tomatoes are prized for their large size, rich taste and versatility in cooking. Their large slices make them perfect for sandwiches, burgers and other dishes where you want a thick slice of tomato.

Nutrition Facts for Beefsteak Tomatoes

When looking at calories and other nutrition information, it’s helpful to know the basics about beefsteak tomatoes.

Here are some key nutrition facts about beefsteak tomatoes (1 large whole beefsteak tomato approx. 413g):

  • Calories: 83
  • Fat: 0.5g
  • Sodium: 18mg
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Vitamin C: 29% DV
  • Vitamin A: 17% DV
  • Vitamin K: 15% DV
  • Potassium: 8% DV

As you can see, beefsteak tomatoes are very low in calories and fat. They provide a good amount of vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Now that we know the nutrition for a whole beefsteak tomato, we can look at the calories and nutrition for just 2 slices.

Calories in 2 Slices of Beefsteak Tomato

To determine the calories in 2 slices of beefsteak tomato, we need to know how much the average slice weighs.

Looking at various resources, a typical slice of beefsteak tomato weighs around 100 grams or 3.5 oz.

Knowing that, we can calculate the calories and nutrition for 2 tomato slices:

Nutrition Facts for 2 Slices (200g) of Beefsteak Tomato

Nutrient Amount
Calories 41
Fat 0.25g
Sodium 9mg
Carbs 3.5g
Sugar 2.5g
Fiber 1.5g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 14% DV
Vitamin A 8% DV
Vitamin K 7% DV
Potassium 4% DV

So for 2 slices of beefsteak tomato weighing around 200 grams total, you get:

  • 41 calories
  • 3.5 grams of carbs
  • 1.5 grams of fiber
  • 14% DV of Vitamin C

As you can see, just 2 slices provides a good amount of vitamin C. Beefsteak tomatoes are also low in sodium and calories, with only 41 calories in 2 slices.

The water and fiber content help make fresh tomato slices very low in calories and carbs compared to many other foods.

Beefsteak Tomato Calories in Context

Now that we know there are about 41 calories in 2 beefsteak tomato slices, let’s put that into context by comparing it to some other foods.

Food Calories
2 slices beefsteak tomato 41 calories
1 slice whole wheat bread 69 calories
1 medium apple 95 calories
10 baby carrots 35 calories
1 cup blueberries 84 calories
1 medium banana 105 calories

As you can see, the 41 calories in 2 tomato slices is low compared to many other fruits and vegetables, as well as foods like bread. The water-rich flesh of tomatoes means you get a good portion size and nutrients for minimal calories.

Benefits of Adding Tomatoes to Your Diet

Beyond being low in calories, beefsteak tomatoes offer additional benefits:

  • Rich source of antioxidants. Tomatoes contain lycopene, beta-carotene and other antioxidants that combat free radicals and inflammation.
  • May promote heart health. Studies show tomatoes may help lower LDL cholesterol, reduce blood pressure and lower heart disease risk due to their nutrients.
  • Helps hydrate. Their high water content makes tomatoes very hydrating.
  • Excellent source of vitamin C. Just two slices contains 14% DV of immune-boosting vitamin C.
  • Provides fiber. The fiber in two slices aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full.

Adding fresh beefsteak tomato slices to sandwiches, salads and meals is an easy way to boost nutrition. Their rich taste and texture also makes them satisfying.

Ways to Add More Beefsteak Tomatoes to Your Diet

Here are some easy ways to enjoy more beefsteak tomatoes:

  • Make tomato sandwiches with sliced beefsteak tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and balsamic vinegar on crusty bread.
  • Chop them up to add juicy flavor to salads.
  • Slice them thick and enjoy with olive oil, salt, pepper and basil.
  • Grill beefsteak tomato slices and add them to burgers.
  • Dice and add them to tacos, fajitas, shakshuka or chili.
  • Roast chopped tomatoes with garlic and herbs for a sauce.
  • Puree grilled tomatoes with garlic for bruschetta topping.

Beefsteak tomatoes are also delicious in soups, stews, pastas and pizzas.

Because they are so large, beefsteak tomatoes are easy to slice and add to recipes raw. You’ll get the most nutrition and flavor from using them fresh.

Tips for Picking Good Beefsteak Tomatoes

To get the best flavor and quality, here are some tips for selecting beefsteak tomatoes:

  • Look for tomatoes that feel heavy for their size and are free of blemishes or soft spots.
  • Choose tomatoes with smooth, shiny skin that have a bright red hue.
  • Avoid tomatoes that appear wrinkled or have pale coloring.
  • Check that the tomato has a fresh, robust tomato aroma.
  • Beefsteak tomatoes should feel firm all over.
  • Look for the vine ripened variety when possible for better flavor.
  • Bring tomatoes to room temperature before eating for best texture and taste.

Choosing vine-ripened beefsteak tomatoes at the peak of freshness ensures the best flavor and nutrition.

Storing Beefsteak Tomatoes

Beefsteak tomatoes are best eaten fresh, but here are some tips to store them if you have leftovers:

  • Keep whole unwashed tomatoes at room temperature out of direct sunlight for up to 1 week.
  • Once cut, tomatoes should be wrapped tightly and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days maximum.
  • Let refrigerated tomatoes come back to room temperature before eating for better flavor.
  • Tomatoes can also be frozen by dicing them first and storing in airtight containers.
  • Canned or jarred crushed tomatoes can be refrigerated for 5-7 days after opening.

Proper storage keeps beefsteak tomatoes fresh and delicate tasting. Refrigeration can cause changes in texture and flavo, so it’s best for cut tomatoes to be eaten within a couple days.

Common Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about the calories and nutrition in beefsteak tomatoes:

Are beefsteak tomatoes healthy?

Yes, beefsteak tomatoes are very healthy. They are low in calories, high in antioxidants like lycopene, rich in vitamin C and provide fiber. Tomatoes have been shown to offer health benefits for heart health, cancer prevention and more.

Are beefsteak tomatoes high in sugar?

No, beefsteak tomatoes only contain around 2.5 grams of natural sugar per 2 slices. Their sugar content is low, especially compared to many other fruits.

Do beefsteak tomatoes help with weight loss?

Beefsteak tomatoes can be a beneficial part of a weight loss diet, thanks to their low calorie and high nutrient density. Their fiber and water content helps provide satiety as well. Enjoying tomato slices can satisfy cravings for a relatively low amount of calories.

Can tomatoes be eaten raw?

Yes, beefsteak tomatoes are delicious eaten raw. Many of their nutrients are most bioavailable in their natural raw state as well. Slicing them onto salads, sandwiches, or eating with oil and herbs are some great ways to enjoy raw tomatoes.

The Bottom Line

When monitoring calorie intake, it’s helpful knowing the amount of calories in common foods like beefsteak tomatoes.

Two slices of beefsteak tomato weighing around 200 grams provides about 41 calories, 3.5 grams carbohydrate, 1.5 grams fiber and 14% DV vitamin C.

Compared to many foods, fresh tomato slices are low in calories and carbs with a high water content. Adding them to your diet provides antioxidants, hydration and fiber for relatively minimal calorie cost.

Enjoy beefsteak tomatoes fresh in salads, sandwiches and snacks to take advantage of their rich taste and nutrition in a low-calorie package.

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