There is nothing like the taste of a beefsteak tomato, fresh from the garden, quartered and tossed with crisp greens, thin slices of red onion, a splash of oil and vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Tomatoes are, in fact, one of the most popular fruits from the garden, (and they are classified as fruit although we eat them like a vegetable!) They come in a range of sizes, shapes and colours, and each type of tomato has its own unique taste and use. Here's a quick guide as well as some great preparation ideas.
Beefsteak tomatoes are large round tomatoes that are best eaten raw, in a sandwich, on a burger or on their own! The flesh is firm and flavourful with a nice juicy texture.
Roma tomatoes are smaller and more oblong in shape. They're a good choice when you're making a tomato sauce or paste - for pasta or pizza. Plum tomatoes work as well!
Sweet cherry and grape tomatoes are packed with flavour, and they taste wonderful in salads and side dishes such as salsa. Often sold on the vine, these tomatoes come in different colours - red, orange and yellow (and yellow is generally the sweetest).
Heirloom tomatoes refer to different heritage varieties. They come in irregular shapes and interesting colours such as striped green and white or purple and green. They are tasty raw or cooked - and add an exotic look to your table.
Quick & Delicious Ways to Eat Tomatoes
- TASTE OF SUMMER: Top sliced tomatoes with fresh basil and a drizzle of oil. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy.
- BROILED: Cut tomatoes in half and put on broiler pan cut side up. Spoon some pesto on top. Broil for two to three minutes until the pesto is bubbling... delicious!
- FRESH SALSA: Mix together chopped tomato, finely chopped onion, cilantro and jalapeno, lime juice (¼ lime) and salt.
- BREAKFAST: Slice tomatoes and combine with crispy bacon on whole wheat toast. A classic.
- IN A GLASS: Juice cored fresh tomatoes, a few stalks of chopped celery with leaves, chopped onion, a little sugar, salt and pepper, a few dashes of hot sauce... beautiful!
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