From 24th May to June 6th, it is National British Tomato Fortnight.

Did you know we're eating more tomatoes than ever before? We get through around 500,000 tons of the red fruit every year.

That's approximately 6oz or 160g per person per week - the equivalent of two classic British tomatoes per week, or more than 100 per year.

That's currently up by around 12 per cent. This is largely thanks to lockdown lunches as we're now 30% more likely to add tomatoes to our lunches today than a year ago.

The latest research shows, as well as this being the most-likely meal of the day we choose to use tomatoes as an ingredient too according to the British Tomato Society.

High in lycopene, tomatoes have been linked with increasing the body's defences against cancer, heart disease and other chronic diseases.

High levels of vitamins A, C and E help keep skin, bones and teeth healthy and boost, the immune system.

Team Developer & Congleton's Thursday Slimming World Consultant Laura Bounford shares her fruity insights, whether you pronounce it 'toe-may-toe', or 'tom-ah-toe' – at Slimming World we say speed free food!

Yes, this fantastic fruit is bursting with health-giving properties and, what's more, it's a great all-round ingredient for food optimisers following our extra easy plan.

We give this fruit a special symbol on our plan, an 'S' which stands for a speed free food.

This means you can enjoy unlimited amounts of them, without any risk to our weight-loss, and better still they are even better than some other foods at keeping us fuller for longer, with fewer calories - magic if you ask me.

Laura's Top 10 Tomato Tips:

1. "Fridges do flavour no favour"

Advice from growers says that where the little red round things are concerned fridges impair the naturally good taste of the humble tomato, so leave them at room temperature for even tastier toms!

1. Don't like tomatoes?

I used to believe I didn't like fresh tomatoes at all - top tips from other slimmers over the years, and at our group taster weeks have allowed me to learn that I love certain types, but dislike others - almost like marmite!

To eat fresh; home-grown, local tomatoes taste better like the ones from Cuttleford Farm Shop opposite Little Moreton Hall on the A34 or on the vine ones.

I especially love Aldi's piccolo tomatoes at the moment, which are packed with flavour and very sweet - so different to the standard cherry or plum tomatoes.

1. Not a fan of chop-chop-chopping?

Me neither! To chop many small tomatoes in one go, place between two chopping boards, and using a sharp knife, cut through the centre of the tomatoes, being sure to press firmly on the top chopping board - et voila, no more chopping individual tomatoes!

1. No-Cook Tomato Soup

For a fast, healthy lunch or snack, I often make this.

It couldn't be simpler. Simply add to a pan of bowl;

- 3 tins of tomatoes

- 2 tins of baked beans in tomato sauce

- 1 tin of carrots

- 1 vegetable stock cube

Simply blitz all ingredients using a stick blender, or pop into a soup maker or blender and decant into food containers to keep in the fridge ready for when hunger strikes.

You can then add chilli flakes if you fancy something a bit spicy, a dollop of fat-free cottage cheese if you'd like it creamier, or even basil for some extra flavour - it's so versatile!

1. BLT sandwich – or salad!

You can't beat a good old BLT - if you fancy a veggie version simply swap your bacon to Quorn vegetarian bacon from the chilled isle or a healthy extra portion of feta cheese (45g) will compliment your juicy tomatoes just as perfectly.

Serve in a huge bowl for something fast and free, or between wholemeal bread for a health version of a classic.

1. Pizza Frittata

Crack 8 eggs, 1 tub of fat-free cottage cheese, crumble in a veggie oxo cube and 3 tbsp tomato puree into a bowl and whisk together.

Pour into a large silicone baking mould (I use a heart shapes one for extra eye-appeal!), chop a punnet of cherry tomatoes using top-tip number 3 and place cut-side-up covering the entire top of the eggy mixture, and sprinkle with dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste.

Cook in a hot oven on 180c for 30 minutes or until set and golden brown. Eggs are full or protein, so keep us fuller for longer, so this is a great option.

1. Spicy salsa

For a quick salsa with loads of kick, finely dice tomatoes, red onion, chillies and coriander then mix together with lime juice.

A summer essential, it's delicious with barbecued fish or chicken.

1. Flavour on a budget

Need to save those pennies? Fear not! Buy the most affordable tomatoes you can - and simply roast them with a light spray of low-calorie oil to bring out the sweeter side. A new flavour will shine through, and texture too.

1. Simple Pasta Sauce

Spray a saucepan with low-calorie cooking spray such as 'Fry Light' over a low heat. Add 2 finely chopped onions and 3 crushed garlic cloves and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until softened.

Increase the heat to medium-high, and stir in 1tbsp dried oregano, 1tsp basil, 400g can chopped tomatoes, 250g passata, 2 level tbsp tomato puree and 1 sweetener tablet.

Simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until you have a thick sauce, then season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper and stir.

1. Tasty Toast Topper

Bored of the usual tomatoes on toast? simply add 1tsp garlic granules, 1 tablet sweetener (this helps to balance the natural bitterness of the tomatoes) and 1tbsp of smoked paprika.

Heat in the microwave or in a small pan on the hob until bubbling and pour over wholemeal toast as a healthy extra option on our food optimising plan - YUM!

Laura adds: "You'll find many more top-tips on your favourite foods with us in group each week.

"We are now able to meet physically, running shorter sessions with all safety measures in place as a Covid-secure community group.

"As a member, you receive access to our Lifeline Online, members online website and mobile phone/tablet app for tons of recipe inspiration and ideas 24/7.

"You're sure to find lots of other like-minded slimmers enjoying their favourite foods and losing weight effectively too.

"If you'd love to lose 7lb or 17st, we meet every Thursday and everyone is welcome - men, women, young, old - all walks of life are safely supported and welcome in our group.

"If you'd like to find out more about Slimming World, you can follow me on social media channels, simply search for #SlimWithLauraB on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok."

Everyone is welcome at Astbury Village Hall on Thursdays, so feel free to get in touch to pre-book your place or call Laura on 07595 535 816 for information and offers available.

• Congleton is currently looking for a new consultant to re-open the Saturday morning group for the community.

Open to past and present members - contact Team Developer Laura Bounford on 07595 535 816 for an informal chat or to book your place at an online opportunity event to find out more information.*