Tomatoes

The tomato is a plant whose fruit is an edible berry that is eaten as a vegetable. The tomato is a member of the nightshade family and originated from western South America.

Storage

Store unripe tomatoes at room temperature, stem-side down, out of direct sunlight. Put ripe tomatoes in the fridge if you cannot eat them right away. Cold air slows down spoiling, though it can slightly change the texture. Take them out and let them return to room temperature before you eat them for the best flavor.

Usage

The tomato has a strong savory umami flavor and is an important ingredient in cuisines around the world. Tomatoes are widely used in sauces for pasta and pizza, in soups such as gazpacho and tomato soup, in salads and condiments like salsa and ketchup, and in various curries. Tomatoes are also consumed as juice and in beverages such as the Bloody Mary cocktail.

Recipes

Creole Tomato Salad (ingredients also from farm stand: onion, mint, garlic, chives)

Tomato Tarts (ingredients also from farm stand: egg, garlic, basil, parsley)

Panzanella Salad (ingredients also from farm stand: onion, cucumber, basil, garlic)

Watermelon Tomato Salad (ingredients also from farm stand: watermelon, jalapeno, basil)