Tomato Sunday

September 8, 2024 

Kensington Farmers Market – Sundays 9am - 2pm

Heirloom tomatoes can have a wide range of flavors, including sweet, tart, smoky, zesty, and peppery. They can also vary in texture, from meaty to crisp, firm, crunchy, dense, thick, or soft walled. The level of acidity in heirloom tomatoes can also vary, with some being very acidic and others being more alkaline. 

Here ere are some general examples of heirloom tomato flavors by color: 

Yellow Tomatoes have a sweet and fruity taste.

Green Tomatoes will have a bright, tangy acidity

Red Tomatoes give a balance of acid and sweetness.

Black or purple tomatoes give a hint of smoke and salt. 

Heirloom tomatoes also have various shape profiles:

Current & Cherry – Ribbed – Globe – Beefsteak – Pear & Plum – Oxheart

TIPS

Farmers’ Market – the best method for choosing fresh tomatoes is to ask the farmer who grew it.  Tell them how you want to use them, and they will give you the best options

When buying tomatoes at a farmers market, you can consider things like: 

 Appearance: Look for tomatoes that are plump, smooth, and have a sweet smell. Avoid tomatoes that are mushy, bruised, or have broken skin. 

 Weight: A heavy tomato is usually juicier. 

 Firmness: Tomatoes should be firm but still soft enough to give under pressure. 

 Smell: Tomatoes should be very aromatic when smelled near the stem. 

To lengthen the lifespan of summer tomatoes, store them on the kitchen counter at room temperature and turn them shoulders down. Southern Living Test Kitchen says 60° to 65° F is an ideal temperature for storing and recommends placing your tomatoes out of direct sunlight.

The Southern Living Test Kitchen also suggests putting smaller cherry and grape tomatoes in a shallow dish so air can flow around them. Avoid storing tomatoes (unless overripe) in the refrigerator because the colder temperatures can make them mealy, flavorless, and hard.

Recipes - Fresh Tomatoes

CAPRESE PLATE

3-4 heirloom tomatoes

8 oz Buffalo Mozzarella or Burrata

Fresh Basil Leaves (whole & chopped)

EVOO

Variations: add watermelon or peach slices – use fresh rosemary or tarragon instead of basil – use feta or goat cheese instead of mozzarella


PICO DE GALLO (Salsa Fresca)

2 C heirloom tomatoes, diced

1 Jalapeno pepper including seeds, diced

1 C red onion, diced

½ C cilantro, chopped

Juice of 2 limes and zest of 1

Vary the heat by using habanero or serrano chilies or a combination

MARINATED SALAD

3 heirloom tomatoes, cut to wedges

3 cucumbers, peeled and sliced ¼ inch

1 onion, sliced, separated into rings

1 bottle Italian dressing



Recipes - Cooked Tomatoes

EVERYDAY EGGS

1 C heirloom tomatoes, chopped or cherry tomatoes

4 eggs, beaten

2 tbs butter

Fresh herbs, basil, or tarragon or oregano, chopped

TOMATOES WITH BROWN BUTTER

8-10 tbs butter

1-2 dashes sherry vinegar

Kosher salt, cracked pepper

4-6 slicing heirloom tomatoes

Finishing: Maldon salt & Baguette or toast

Serving: Slice tomatoes 1/3 inch thick arrange on platter.  Slice baguette to platter, serve separately.  Just before serving drizzle warm butter over tomatoes, sprinkle with Maldon salt.  Add any fresh chopped herbs (optional) for garnishment.  Sop up butter with baguette slices.


TOMATOES, TOMATOES, TOMATOES

Not only does roasting bring out even more sweetness in tomatoes, but heat also actually boosts their health properties.

Tomatoes contain many nutrients and phytochemicals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene,  adding tomatoes to your diet can improve heart health, reduce cancer risk and promote better digestion.  Enjoy the variety of tomatoes, in different ways and reap the benefits.