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SUMMER/EARLY FALL VEGETABLE
Description : Tomatoes are a member of the nightshade family and native to the Americas. They come in all shapes and sizes and range in color from yellow to orange to red to green. There are also varieties that are white and even a purplish brown color. Some of the more familiar types include: Beefsteak: a large tomato that is perfect for slicing into thick slices for burgers and sandwiches. Cherry: a smaller round variety that grows in clusters and are quite sweet. Grape: smaller than the cherry variety and shaped like a grape, these have a very sweet taste also. Plum: medium-sized oblong shaped with dense flesh. This variety works well when making homemade tomato paste or sauces. Yellow: this is a lower acid variety with a mild flavor. Although available year round, the best buying time is from July through October. Selecting: When selecting, choose those that are firm, plump and have vivid, bright color. The skin should be smooth and, when ripe, will give slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid any that are pale in color, feel soft or mushy or show spots or bruising. Storing and Handling: When storing, leave at room temperature on the counter. Ripe tomatoes will last for several days on the counter and those that are not quite ripe will continue to ripen. Check often to make sure they are not going bad. Wash thoroughly in cool water, remove the core and slice or dice as desired. For cherry or grape tomatoes simply remove the stems, wash and enjoy. These two types are great for snacking. Serving Suggestions: Salads: A great salad addition, slice or dice as desired and add to any vegetable salad or even fruit salads as well. Salsa: The main ingredient in most salsas. The fresher your tomatoes, the better the salsa will be. Broiled: A great way to serve this vegetable. Slice and sprinkle with your favorite seasonings and broil until lightly brown. Watch carefully so slices do not burn. You can also top with a little cheese and allow it to melt before serving. Grilled: The cherry variety works great on the grill when skewered on kabobs with other vegetables and meat or seafood. Give it a try. Sandwiches/Burgers: Beefsteak tomatoes are a favorite for sandwiches because of their size and density. Nearly any sandwich will take on better taste with this addition. They are also perfect for grilled burgers (both veggie and meat). Sauces: The plum variety lends itself well to cooked tomato sauces. Seasonings and Foods to use with Tomatoes: basil, capers, cilantro, cheese (blue cheese, cream cheese, feta, goat, mozzarella, provolone), cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, leeks, oregano, pasta, poultry, seafood, soups Quick Salad – Tomato Recipes:
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