Savor & Save Summer

One of the perks of our Customize Your Order feature is the ability to add more of your favorite seasonal fruits and vegetables to your deliveries. Love heirloom tomatoes? Learn ways you can preserve them for later enjoyment.

Here are two simple ways to save the taste of summer heirlooms for enjoying now, and in the winter season.

SUMMER SAVORED – TOMATO PASTE

Tomato paste is a great kitchen staple, adding rich flavor to pastas, sauces, soups and much more. Why buy a can when you can easily and healthily make your own organic heirloom tomato paste? Here are two simple ways to cook down your tomatoes to concentrate and capture their flavor.

Option 1: Simmer On The Stove & Make Paste
A simple way to save your fresh heirlooms is to core, coarsely chop and seed your tomatoes, add a little seasoning and just keep cooking them down…and cooking them down…and cooking them down over a medium-low heat until it becomes a thick liquid/paste.

Option 2: Oven-Roast Your Tomatoes
Some folks swear you should oven roast your tomatoes before pureeing into a paste because baking at a low heat for several hours condenses the sweet flavor of the tomato.

Depending on the size of your tomato, slice in half (smaller tomatoes) or into thick slices, then in half (larger tomatoes). Place cut side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil (optional) and salt and pepper. Bake in a 200 degree F oven until dry, soft and pliable, like a raisin (this could take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours).

What’s next? Two more options!

Option 3: Enjoy Oven-Roasted Tomatoes Now
Well, when oven-roasted is the route you take, you may want to put aside some of your tomato gems for enjoying now – before you puree the rest for later. Store in the refrigerator by covering them in oil for a few weeks, or in the freezer for a few months. Here are few delicious serving suggestions:

COUS COUS – With feta cheese, oven-roasted tomatoes, kalamata olives and fresh basil. This makes for a great Meatless Monday meal.

FRITATTA – Oven-roasted tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and a lovely texture to this egg dish.

PASTA – Use oven-roasted tomatoes as a great substitute for tomato sauce in pasta dishes.

Option 4: Save Your Tomatoes For Later

FREEZING TIP – Freeze your tomato paste or puree in an ice cube tray for convenient, smaller portions.

USES – Stir into pasta sauces or salad dressings. Add to soups, stews, chili, casseroles or any other dish where a tomato flavor is desired.