With Tomato Prices Soaring High, Check Out 8 Substitutes For Fresh Tomatoes And Other Veggies

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It is hard to imagine that petrol is cheaper than tomatoes in India! We are already ruing over a surge in tomato prices but probably you have other reasons to worry.

Apart from tomatoes prices of other veggies have also skyrocketed like brinjal, cauliflower, and green chillies thereby burning a hole in the buyers' pockets. This has put a strain on millions of households in this country to depend on these versatile veggies for their meals. Therefore, unwillingly they are curtailing their consumption when it comes to tomatoes and other veggies.

One of the world's most popular vegetables, according to a report India is the second largest producer of tomato in the world. According to a report, about 182M tonnes were produced globally in 2017, which represents 17% of all vegetables produced, ahead of the next most popular - onions, which come in at 9%.

Blame it on extreme heat, delayed monsoon or inadequate production tomatoes are getting sold at 150-160 rs per kg. Also, the prices of vegetables in West Bengal surged with green chillies being sold at ₹300-350 per kg. Other vegetables have witnessed a 30-50 per cent rise, mentions a report by PTI. So, let us know what are the substitutes for fresh tomatoes.

1. Curd
If you want similar tanginess in your sauce or curry or even salad, then this is a healthy alternative. This gives immense flavour to veg as well as non-veg dishes.

2. Olives
Even though it will create a very different profile, it can add a bit of savoury that you get from tomatoes. This will certainly heighten the flavour of your dish and the good part is they are not nightshade foods.

3. Red Capsicum / Red Bell Peppers
They can be added as a fresh or grilled ingredient and they will add vibrancy to your dish as well. Apart from the red colour and sweetness, they will add a great crunch to your dish.

4. Tamarind
This one can mimic the sweet tanginess of fresh tomatoes. You need to simply dissolve a ball of tamarind in hot water and make your dish extraordinary. This goes well with Indian cuisines in all types of courses. Also, the red colour will mimic the colour of the tomato when blended and added to curries.

5. Pumpkin
If you complain about this vegetable, probably you need to show it some love. They can be a great substitute for tomatoes because they add the necessary creamy texture to a dish in puree form and is definitely a low-cost substitute. Further, to mimic the flavour, you can add a little bit of tomato puree to it.

6. Canned Tomatoes
These can be a great substitute and are extremely budget-friendly. Even though you have to compromise a tiny bit of fresh tomato flavour, still it can add a great depth of flavour and that necessary tomatoey goodness to you dish. You can use it in salads and even to create starters and curries.

7. Cheese
Even though this is in no way similar to the tangy taste of tomatoes, cheese does add the necessary savoury flavour to food items. You can get a similar creamy texture that comes by adding tomatoes and it is a great way to uplift your plate of food. Crumbled feta or shaved parmesan anyone?

How To Store Tomatoes For A Long Time
Tomatoes are extremely juicy and sensitive to chilling and therefore refrigerating them will only reduce their shelf life. When you place them at a very low temperature, they not only lose their flavour but also their texture.

However, the best thing about this versatile veggie is you can store them at room temperature out of direct sunlight and use them before they go bad. But, if you have purchased tomatoes in bulk that you won't be able to finish anytime soon then you can store them in a fridge, which will give you more time to use them, but you will lose a bit of flavour.

Pro Tip: Substitutes For Eggplant, Chillies And Other Veggies

Apart from that, if you are looking for a substitute for eggplant, then you can go with butternut squash, zucchini, or even cauliflower; and instead of green chillies, you can use red chilli powder, chilli flakes or pepper to your dishes.