Heirloom tomato season is here! You’ll find a rainbow of plump, juicy heirloom tomatoes with names like Brandywine, Green Zebra and Cherokee Purple in our stores now. Heirloom tomatoes are grown from seeds that have been passed down from generation to generation. Colors can range from deep purple to bright red and even lime green with stripes. Shapes and sizes vary and they usually aren’t perfectly round. Because of their special traits, heirlooms are generally grown by smaller farms rather than large producers. They take more personalized care and all of this combines to make them ever so special and tasty.When in season, we think heirlooms should be enjoyed with every meal of the day! Check out some of these appetizing ideas and try some today.
It’s the simplest salad and arguably the most delicious. Make our Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella And Tomatoes opens in a new tab with a colorful variety of heirlooms for a first course. Or, try our Scallops Caprese opens in a new tab as a main dish.
Make a salad full of summer’s bounty by slicing heirloom tomatoes and topping with fresh corn kernels and diced watermelon. Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette and crumbled goat cheese.
Cut heirloom tomatoes into large cubes and create a tasty Greek Salad with crisp lettuce, crumbled feta cheese, sliced red onion, pitted Kalamata olives and a red wine vinaigrette.
Summer is a great time to take advantage of the grill and there's no better way than with these amazingly easy and tasty Grilled Heirloom Tomato and Pesto Pizzas opens in a new tab. Make an assortment of pizza toppings and everyone can customize their own!
Dice a rainbow of heirloom tomatoes and toss with extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt and pepper for a simple bruschetta to serve on slices of toasted baguette. Garnish with fresh basil.
A slice of tomato can elevate almost any sandwich to new heights but a BLT made with heirloom tomatoes will really hit the spot. Our Heirloom Tomato BLTs opens in a new tab are full of flavor and texture.
Because of their vibrant flavor, heirloom tomatoes should either be left raw or cooked just enough to warm them up. For a speedy pasta dish try our Ravioli with No-Cook Heirloom Tomato Sauce opens in a new tab. Or, simply sauté sliced garlic in olive oil, add diced tomatoes and fresh basil until warmed through and toss with spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
Make a tomato tart. Bake a frozen pie shell until golden brown. Spread a thin layer of herbed ricotta cheese and top with a layer of thinly sliced heirloom tomatoes. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar just before serving.
Transform tomatoes into a spectacular soup with our recipe for Cold Grilled Heirloom Tomato Soup with Crab and Chives opens in a new tab.
Cut tomatoes into ½-inch thick slices, lightly brush with olive oil and grill for a couple minutes or until charred and heated through. Serve in a salad or atop a burger. Also try cutting tomatoes in half and grilling, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a quick and easy side dish.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy heirloom tomatoes?
