Tips for using and storing fresh tomatoes.

Our local farmer’s markets are brimming with colorful fresh produce. However, it’s easy to buy more than we can use.

I agree with Sad Tom above: “Ketchup just don’t do a fresh tomato justice!” With a little care, you can enjoy fresh tomatoes well into the season.

How to store; when to refrigerate.

Store unripe tomatoes stem side down, in a paper bag or cardboard box; single layer. Keep ripe tomatoes at room temperature away from sunlight. On the other hand, overripe tomatoes that are soft to touch or deep red flesh are best kept in the refrigerator.

Freezing them is a good option.

The quickest and easiest way to preserve what you will not use in a few days is freezing them.  Freeze smaller tomatoes whole on a cookie sheet and then bag them. Larger tomatoes, however, should be chopped (peeled or not) and stuffed into freezer containers. Hint: empty mayo or peanut butter jars hold the right amount for adding to soups and casseroles.

Expand your menu; try new tastes on your family.

Click here for 100 Ways to use Fresh Tomatoes this Summer.

Consider seeding the large firm tomatoes; roast them and blend for soups and sauces.

A great stir-fry is seeded tomato chunks, okra, zucchini or whatever veggie on hand, and onions or/and garlic; blend with olive oil.

Broil or Grill Thick Slices

For a main dish: broil thick slices of tomato and top with feta cheese and fresh basil.  Grill thick slices for sandwiches for a completely different flavor.

Stir chopped, grilled tomatoes into hash browns, grits, even gravy for a southern flair. Add crumbled bacon, sausage, or chopped ham for a complete meal in minutes.

Two simple salad upgrades.

Instead of the ho-hum chopped lettuce/tomato salad, try chopped fresh tomatoes with avocado, onion, lime juice and olive oil.

For a real taste treat, combine grilled tomatoes, feta cheese, parsley, black olives and red onion. Sprinkle with a good vinaigrette.

As you bravely use tomatoes in new ways, try these flavor options: onions, garlic, celery, orange peel, fresh basil, fresh parsley, rosemary and a good stock: vegetable, chicken or beef.

Be sure to click below for a list of herbs and spices to use with vegetables.

Too many tomatoes to deal with now?  Perhaps that neighbor you’ve been wanting to visit could use a pretty basket filled with ripe tomatoes and crackers. Hmmmm!

Hugs,

For a list of herbs and seasonings for oven roasted vegetables, click here.