Tomatoes, Tomatoes
Most of us are enjoying huge quantities of tomatoes at this point in the growing season. At our house, heirloom tomatoes, when available, are always the first choice. An heirloom tomato is generally defined as a tomato variety that's at least 50 years old, has been passed down in a family for at least two generations and is open-pollinated so that the seeds produce more plants of the same variety. Definitions vary, but you get the idea.
And then, there is the appearance of heirlooms in contrast to their commercially grown counterparts that are frequently perfect in appearance. The heirlooms are lumpy, bumpy, speckled, striped and often amazingly colored in shades of green, purple, chocolate brown, golden-yellow, deep red, bright orange, rosy pink and almost black. We have found most heirlooms to be beautifully colored, both inside and out, juicy, and intensely flavored. Many of us in the South grew up eating heirlooms, but if you've never encountered them, please pick up a couple and give them a try. You will find heirlooms at the tailgates and farmers' markets. Even some of the supermarkets are starting to stock a variety of these wonderful tomatoes. Heirlooms are perfect when sliced and simply served, but here are a few other ways to enjoy them.
