Tomato and Cucumber Salad

I am a sucker for a farm stand.  All that gorgeous produce, along with flowers roasted corn and of course baked goods, call my name so loudly, that I have to stop.  My first stop is always the tomatoes.  This time of year the tomatoes are incredible and the cucumbers are astounding.  The easiest way to enjoy them   Make a salad.   This recipe was given to me by  Elyce Jacobson is the head chef/part owner of Skinny Buddha Organic Kitchen,

Ingredients

• 1 and 3/4 pounds ripe heirloom tomatoes, cut into chunks

• 8 ounces cherry and teardrop-shaped tomatoes, halved

• 3/4  cucumber, cut into chunks

• 10 large basil leaves, torn into pieces

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon sea salt such as sel gris

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

•    1/4 cup hemp seeds

Preparation

Gently combine all ingredients in a bowl and let sit a few minutes. Toss again.

Why….

Tomatoes: A great source of lycopene, an antioxidant that lowers your risk of certain diseases caused by cellular damage. Also, the compounds in cherry tomatoes might offer protection against osteoporosis, skin damage, and brain disorders.

Cucumbers: Contains vitamins A, B, and C, which boosts immunity, provides energy, and keeps you radiant. It also contains silica, the wonder mineral that makes your hair and nails stronger and shinier.

Basil: Basil herb contains exceptionally high levels of vitamin A, cryptoxanthin, lutein and zea-xanthin. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.

Hemp Seed: Hemp seeds are rich in disease-fighting, plant-based phytonutrients and anti-aging antioxidants such as vitamin E. Hemp provides a rich array of minerals including zinc, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and iron.