Tomatoes 101

The Tomato is a botanical fruit that originated in the South American Andes and is a member of the Nightshade family. The use of Tomatoes for culinary purposes began in Mexico with the Spanish Colonization. In it’s native climate, Tomatoes grow as perennials and for culinary purposes are considered a vegetable. There are several varieties of Tomatoes that range in colors that include red, green, orange, yellow, purple and brown. The Tomato season usually starts in June and wraps up in October. Heirloom Tomatoes are an open-pollinated (non-hybrid) heirloom cultivar of Tomato. Heirloom Tomatoes do not have the genetic mutation that gives the commercial Tomato its uniform red color at the sacrifice of sweetness. To learn more about Tomato varieties click here and more details on Tomatoes click here.

To Store

Keep Tomatoes at room temperature until ripened. Once ripened, Tomatoes will last for a few days. Try to avoid refrigerating Tomatoes whenever possible, as it severely affects their flavor. For more on storage tips click here.

To Nourish

Tomatoes are best known for being a rich source of Lycopene. Lycopene is Phytochemical that has been researched for its antioxidant and cancer-preventing properties. Tomato Lycopene has been found to protect against prostate, colo-rectal, breast, endo-metrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers. Tomatoes are also high in Vitamin C, Biotin, Molybdenum, Vitamin K and the list goes on. Click here to learn more about the health benefits of Tomatoes.

To Prepare

Almost all cooking methods apply to Tomatoes. Tomatoes can be eaten raw in salads, appetizers and sandwiches. They can be processed into ketchup, sauces, soup and juice. Also, breaded and fried, stewed, braised, slow roasted and more. To learn how to remove the skin and seeds and much more click here.

To Try 

Melissa's Favorite Five Minute Quick Sauce

Tomato Butter 

Homemade Ketchup 

Tomato Ginger Refrigerator Jam 

Tomato Jam 

Fresh Tomato Salsa 

Slow Roasted Tomatoes 

Preserved Tomatoes 

Hot Bacon Caprese Salad 

Warm Corn, Tomato and Arugula Salad 

Bread Salad with Charred Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Olives 

Fresh Tomato Bruschetta with Basil 

Tomato Tart 

Cream of Fresh Tomato Soup 

Gazpacho 

Bouillabaisse 

Basic Tomato Sauce from Fresh Tomatoes 

Pasta with Roasted Garlic and Tomatoes 

Turkey Meatballs in Fresh Tomato Sauce 

Heuvos Rancheros in Roasted Tomato Sauce

Seared Scallops with Summer Vegetables and Beurre Blanc 

To Use

Meet your new go-to gadget for tomato prep, the Tomato Hullster. It quickly and easily removes the cores from tomatoes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Use it for everything from roma, celebrity and heirloom varieties to giant supersteak tomatoes. ($9.95, Williams-Sonoma)