Get to know tomatoes!

When is it seasonal? Summer to fall

Varieties: 

• Cherry: round, bite-sized and juicy; usually added to salads and kebabs or eaten as a snack
• Heirloom: These tomatoes can be really beautiful with many colors, and big interesting shapes and can also be on the pricier side. The word “heirloom” means that the seed genetics were passed down from a previous season.
• Roma / Plum Tomatoes: larger than cherry and grape tomatoes; sweet and juicy, making them good for making sauces, salsas and salads
• Beefsteak Tomatoes: more mild in taste but juicy, large and firm, making them good for slicing; good for adding to sandwiches and burgers and making sauces and salsas

Nutrition: Tomatoes are an important dietary source of vitamins, minerals, fluids and antioxidants. Tomatoes are high in an anti-oxidant lycopene, which actually becomes more potent when cooked!

Culinary Basics: A good summer tomato doesn’t need much more than salt and olive oil, but the tomato is incredibly versatile! Flavors that pair well with tomatoes include balsamic vinegar, oregano, olive oil, garlic, basil, and certain types of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan. If you have an abundance of tomatoes try cooking them down in a pot or roasting on a sheet tray to make a sauce.