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It’s cliche to get romantic about summer tomato recipes, but it’s hard not to! There’s just no comparing the flavor of a summer tomato, so it’s time to make the most of these gems!
There’s no time like the present when it comes to making up for lost time with fresh tomato recipes. Go with classics where tomatoes are the star like homemade tomato sauce or creamy soup, or let them play a supporting role in dishes like ratatouille or panzanella. Want something unexpected? Tomato cake is always a surprise hit!
Prepping fresh tomatoes
Tomato prep depends on what you’ll be making! Cherry tomatoes and other small varieties just need to be halved, but larger tomatoes can get a bit messy when chopping.
I recommend using a cutting board * with a trench, or place a kitchen towel underneath your board, to catch the excess tomato juices. It’s also helpful to have a trash bowl or bin nearby to scoop the seeds and extra juices into, especially if you’re using San Marzano or Roma tomatoes.
Need to peel your tomatoes for sauces or salsa? Check out my post on how to peel tomatoes quickly. It’s indispensable if you’re doing summer canning! (Don’t toss the peels; you can dry them to make your own tomato powder and add a boost of flavor to your favorite dishes.)
Salting your sliced tomatoes will help draw out excess liquid and intensify the tomato flavor. Whether you’re making a tomato sandwich or tomato pie, don’t skip this prep step!
Storing tomatoes
Tomatoes keep their best flavor when you store them at room temperature, so try to resist keeping them in the fridge!
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I store mine on the counter, with the top-side down. Because the top is usually more firm, this helps to keep the bottom from getting soft too soon. Cherry tomatoes and paste tomatoes can be stored in a shallow bowl. Don’t stack them too much, or the bottom layers can get squished.
Have more tomatoes than you can deal with right now? Freeze your tomatoes! This is a great way to preserve them for later, and bonus: the skins will slip right off when you thaw.
Tomato recipes
Ready to make the most of tomato season? Dive into these recipes!
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About Megan
I learned how to cook by exploring seasonal ingredients, and you can too! Meal time shouldn’t be stressful or complicated, and with fresh ingredients and easy methods, I’m here to help you enjoy the time spent in the kitchen. Read more…
