A Guide to Enjoying Tomato Season

By Trace Barnett

Make the most of tomato season! Whether you’re harvesting from your own garden or choosing from a market, enjoy these delicious fruits in a classic, southern fashion. Elevate your next sandwich with this quick yet sophisticated herb crust tomato sandwich recipe.

Recipe

Herb Crust Tomato Sandwich

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1

INGREDIENTS

Vine Ripe Tomatoes, sliced and peels removed (optional)
Sliced Butter Sandwich Bread
Mayonnaise
Chopped thyme, basil, chives or herb of choice
Salt and pepper

Garden Party Tip

Use tomatoes that are heirloom for more flavor. Salt them beforehand in a colander to reduce water content. Don’t use tomatoes that are over or underripe for adverse flavor.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Slice tomatoes using a serrated knife and remove the peeling if desired.
2. Remove crusts from bread slices.
3. Slather each bread slice with an ample serving of mayonnaise.
4. Place tomato on bread slice. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Top with another slice of bread.
5. Use a knife to smear a small amount of mayonnaise around the outside of sandwich, and dip the edges into chopped thyme (or your herb of choice) to coat.
6. Serve immediately or chilled.

Growing your own tomato plants allows you to experience the satisfaction of cultivating and enjoying delicious, freshly harvested tomatoes. With proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest and utilize the fruits in various culinary creations. Happy gardening and tomato harvesting!

How to Harvest Your Own Tomatoes or Choose the Best at the Market

Ripeness: Harvest tomatoes when they are fully ripe and have reached their desired color. Different tomato varieties have different colors when ripe, so refer to seed packets or plant labels for guidance.
Firmness and Color: Gently squeeze the tomato to check for a slight give, indicating ripeness. Additionally, observe the tomato’s color, which should be vibrant and even.
Harvesting Technique: Grasp the tomato firmly and twist it until it separates from the vine. Alternatively, use a pair of garden shears or scissors to cut the stem above the fruit.

How to Use Them

Fresh Consumption: Enjoy your homegrown tomatoes fresh, sliced in salads, sandwiches, or simply seasoned with salt and pepper. The flavors of homegrown tomatoes are often unmatched.
Cooking and Preserving: Tomatoes are versatile for cooking. Use them in sauces, soups, salsas, or oven-roasted dishes. They can also be preserved by canning, freezing, or drying for later use in sauces, stews, or homemade tomato paste.