ABOUT tomatoes

Tomatoes are a warm season plant that produces delicious fruits that come in an array of colors, shapes, and sizes. They have their origins in the Andes of South America where they’ve grown for over 9,000 years, but it wasn’t until wild tomatoes made their way to Central American region of Mexico, that tomatoes began to be cultivated and domesticated. There they would breed tomatoes into the larger, more flavorful ones we know of today.

Using tomatoes to make sauce is one of the most common ways they’re prepared today, and is also one of the more traditional ways that Aztec peoples would use them in combination with chilis. They would also preserve them through drying, and use them as medicine for respiratory issues and physical aches.

Here at Rock Steady our tomatoes are ready sometime between May through October. We have cherry and slicer tomatoes that can be orange, yellow, green, or dark red! Their taste ranges from sweet to tart, and overall very juicy.

COOKING & STORAGE

Edible parts: Fruit, and leaves (in moderation/as seasoning)
Medicine and Nutrients: Depending on their color (specifically those that are red or deep orange) tomatoes can be an excellent source of lycopene, they’re also a great source of vitamin C, B6, and magnesium.
Storing and Shelf Stability: Perfectly ripe tomatoes should be kept at room temperature on the counter away from sunlight. Make sure they're in a single layer, not touching one another, and stem side up. Consume within a couple of days. Overripe tomatoes that are soft to touch with very red flesh are best kept in the fridge.

Ways to Prepare

RAW: Enjoy them diced up in a salsa or salad; sliced on a sandwich; or just as is with a sprinkle of salt and your favorite herbs or spices alongside some pungent cheese.
COOKED: Tomatoes can be roasted, baked, raw, in salads, grilled, pureed, and in soups.

RECIPES

Tomato Confit with Pesto (A Cozy Kitchen)
Tomato Soup (Seeds & Receipts)
Quick Vegan Chili (Jessica in the Kitchen)
Honey Roasted Tomato Lasagna (Nourished Palate)
Salvadoran Rellenos de Güisquil/Chayote with Salsa de Tomate (SalviSoul) (Wondering what guisquil/chayote is?)
Authentic Andalusian Gazpacho (Epicurious)

Authored and compiled by Maya Marie of Deep Routes, Ayllen Kocher, and Amara Ullauri