Description

The tomato is the crown jewel of the kitchen, celebrated for its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Whether you prefer the bite-sized sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the meaty texture of a Roma, or the rich, complex flavor of an heirloom, tomatoes are the foundation of countless dishes—from fresh caprese salads to slow-simmered pasta sauces.

While often associated with Italian cuisine, tomatoes are actually native to the Andes region of South America (modern-day Peru and Ecuador). They were cultivated by the Aztecs in Mexico long before Spanish explorers brought them to Europe in the 16th century. Interestingly, for many years, Europeans were suspicious of them, believing they were poisonous because they belong to the nightshade family!

Tomatoes are a true sign of Summer. They crave heat and sun to develop their sugars, with the peak harvest typically running from July through September. In warmer climates or greenhouses, “vined-ripened” varieties can be found extending into late autumn.