The Top Tomatoes

 

When you are a new cook like my niece, Madison, the different types of fresh produce at the store can be intimidating.  Madison wanted a tomato to slice and use on the sub style sandwich she was planning to make and didn't know which tomato to choose. 
 
There are thousands of different types of tomatoes.  They come in all kinds of shapes, colors, and sizes.  But the top thee you will find in your local grocery store are as follows.

1.  Beefsteak Tomato: Is a large tomato, sometimes weighting between 1 and 2 pounds each.  Often any large tomato is called a Beefsteak.  They have a sweet flavor and a meaty texture like their name suggests.  It is a perfect tomato to slice and use on your sandwich.

2.  Cherry Tomatoes:  My favorite salad topper!  They are sweeter than other varieties.  They have been popular in the United States since at least the early 1900's.

4.  Roma or Plum Tomatoes:  Are slightly elongated, and have a firm flesh, little juice, and few seeds. They are ideal for making tomato sauce and paste.

My favorite tomato tip:  

Tomatoes will keep longer if stored stem end down.

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Tuesday's Tips & Tricks: Tomatoes

In 1893 the United States Supreme Court, officially declared the tomato a vegetable.  Botanically, it is a fruit.

Tomato Tips:

1.  Tomatoes can be frozen whole.  The skins will slip off when thawed.  You will not be able to use them for a salad, but they are perfect for cooking.

2.  Tomatoes will keep longer if stored stem down.

3. Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature.  They will loose flavor and the texture will change when refrigerated.

4.  Do not use an aluminum pan when cooking tomatoes.  Aluminum pans make the tomatoes bitter and change their color.

5. Cut the acid in cooked tomato sauce by adding a little sugar or grated carrot.

6.  Plum tomatoes are best to use for making sauces.

7.  Cherry and grape tomatoes are best eaten raw.

8.  Several herbs pair wonderfully with tomatoes; such as, basil, oregano, marjoram, dill weed, thyme, garlic, bay leaf, celery seed, tarragon, chives, and parsley.

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Grilled Salsa recipe.

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Visit my friends blogs!

You will love Bo and his blog,  Bo's Bowl.  Not only does he host great giveaways,  his recipes are incredible!  One visit to his blog and you will see why I faithfully follow it.

Also visit my friend Pam's blog, Pam's Midwest Kitchen Korner,  for more great recipes!  Once you read her blog, she will be your friend too!

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks: Chopping Tomatoes

Sometimes when my husband, Stan, goes to the store for me he will come back with an ingredient that is close, but not exactly what I asked for.  There are so many different types of canned tomatoes, the guy can't be blamed for getting mixed up about what I need.

If I get canned whole tomatoes by mistake, and I needed chopped or diced tomatoes, I pull out my kitchen shears and cut up the tomatoes while they are still in the can.  It is quick and easy and there is no mess.

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Visit my friends blogs!

My friends are taking some time off from blogging, but they have incredible recipes in their archives!

You will love Bo and his blog,  Bo's Bowl.  Not only does he host great giveaways,  his recipes are incredible!  One visit to his blog and you will see why I faithfully follow it.

Also visit my friend Pam's blog, Pam's Midwest Kitchen Korner,  for more great recipes!  Once you read her blog, she will be your friend too!