Tomato Sunday

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

CAPRESE PLATE

3-4 heirloom tomatoes

8 oz Buffalo Mozzarella or Burrata

Fresh Basil Leaves (whole & chopped)

EVOO

1. Slice tomatoes and cheese

2. Arrange on plate with basil

3. Drizzle with EVOO

4. Serve

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

1. Dice tomatoes, peppers & onion

2. Marinate pepper & onion in lime juice – 5-10 minutes

3. Mix all ingredients

4. Add salt to taste, let stand 10 minutes for flavor to blend

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

1. Mix tomatoes, cucumbers and onions in bowl

2. Cover with dressing

3. Let stand, covered & refrigerated

4. Serve cold

EVERYDAY EGGS

1 C heirloom tomatoes, chopped or cherry tomatoes

4 eggs, beaten

2 tbs butter

Fresh herbs, basil, or tarragon or oregano, chopped

1. Melt butter in skillet

2. Add tomatoes and sauté

3. Add eggs and chopped herbs

4. Cook and serve hot

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

1. In sauté pan, melt butter, medium heat

2. Cook butter until dark brown and smell nutty

3. Add vinegar, pinch kosher salt and a couple cracks pepper

4. Set aside, keep warm

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.