Fresh Homemade Salsa

Fresh, homemade salsa is so much better than salsa from a jar! And it’s easy to make. When the gardens and farmer’s markets are overflowing with fresh, ripe tomatoes, this is the only thing I (Jo) want to make!

Tomatoes are the perfect thing to eat during the hot months when they are abundant and fresh. They are a cooling food that quenches thirst. Tomatoes tone your stomach, cleanse your liver and purify your blood. By relieving heat and stagnation in the liver, they help to reduce accompanying symptoms such as high blood pressure, red eyes, and headaches.

According to Paul Pitchford in Healing with Whole Foods, “even though an acidic fruit, after digestion the tomato alkalizes the blood and so is useful in reducing the acid blood of rheumatism and gout.”

The other ingredients in this fresh salsa are great detoxifiers as well. Fresh garlic, onions and cilantro remove heavy metals from your system. Lime/lemon juice cleanse your liver and alkalize your blood. The raw enzymes and vital life force in these fresh vegetables are also deeply nourishing and healing.

Enjoy this fresh salsa as a dip for flax crackers or sliced cucumbers or as a topping for your salads and entrees. It’s delicious on top of sautéed greens or beans and brown rice.

Ingredients:

(use organic whenever possible)

4-5 medium tomatoes

2 small cloves of garlic

¼ of a red onion

1 jalapeno pepper

¼ cup lemon or lime juice

½ cup chopped cilantro

sea salt and pepper to taste

1. Chop tomatoes into ½” cubes. Use a very sharp knife for this to make it easier.
2. Finely mince garlic, onions and jalapeno. The more finely minced the easier their flavors will be distributed. Be careful not to touch your eyes or face while handling the jalapeno. Wash your hands well afterward.
3. Chop cilantro.
4. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Chill in the refrigerator to allow flavors to set before serving.