tomato time
August is tomato time. Once you’ve tasted an heirloom tomato in the height of its season, you’ll never go back to chomping on those winter imports. An August heirloom offers bright flavors, gentle acidity, and a juicy deliciousness that is out of this world. This is the time of year to break out your fresh tomato recipes. Maybe a Caprese Salad with sliced tomatoes, fresh sliced mozzerella (packed in water), a bit of fresh basil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and a drizzle of your best extra-virgin olive oil. It’s perfecto!
Or, you could go with my favorite late-summer snack: the B.L.T. And if you are feeling even more daring, check out Eggs on Sunday and try Amy’s B.L.A.T., which adds a bit of avocado for extra creaminess. With football season approaching, this is going to be my Saturday (college gameday) lunch for the next couple of weeks.
Whatever you do, don’t cook your August heirloom tomatoes (unless you’re canning for the cooler months). They are really at their finest when they are fresh, warmed by the sun, and not refrigerated. If you need some more fresh summer recipes, check out these food blog gems:
Simply Recipes: Homemade Tomato Juice (or the ultimate Bloody Mary)
Kalyn’s Kitchen: Summer Tomato Salad
101 Cookbooks: Heirloom Tomato Tart (o.k. it’s cooked - against my rule, but doesn’t it look good?)
3 Responses to “tomato time”
By Tiffany on Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
Your photos are gorgeous, and I couldn’t agree with you more! We have gotten so spoiled eating our heirloom variety tomatoes from the farmers market. My husband bought a tomato from the grocery store (to spite me, I think!) and begrudgingly had to agree that the imported pink mealy grocery store tomato was terrible. Thanks for all the recipes, too. I’ll have to try the gazpacho.
By Sue Bette on Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
Hi Tiffany! Thanks for the note - happy to hear you are loving your heirlooms - I haven’t tried the gazpacho yet - if you try it let me know how it comes out - maybe we’ll see it on your great site The Garden Apartment: http://tinyurl.com/637jy2