Tomato Time & the clock is ticking
If you search the internet for “too many tomatoes,” dozens of sites appear with hundreds of suggestions. There was a time, however, perhaps 35 years ago, when “Too Many Tomatoes” was a best-selling cookbook, especially popular in the Midwest, where a truly flavorful tomato was . . . truly flavorful.
Today, it can be tough to find a good-flavored tomato, which may help explain why the book is no longer in print. But, at Well Rooted U-Pick Produce Farm in Tumalo, you can find four different varieties, each delicious in its own way. And this time of year, yes, we have that problem: too many tomatoes. So rather than simply sending folks off to search for online suggestions, we asked our regulars what they do when they bring home an abundant supply of our tomatoes which, by the way, are grown without pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers!
Here are a few practical, delicious ways suggested by your Central Oregon Neighbors:
Start fresh. Slice ripe tomatoes for sandwiches, layer them with fresh cheese and herbs, or toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple salad. Chopped tomatoes also make an easy salsa, pico de gallo, or bruschetta topping.
Roast a panful. Cut tomatoes into halves or wedges, add olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and roast until softened and concentrated. Spoon them over toast, toss them with pasta, or serve them alongside eggs, grains, or grilled cheese.
Simmer a sauce. Cook tomatoes with onion, garlic, and herbs for a flexible sauce to use on pasta, pizza, or beans. Freeze the extra in meal-sized portions so a taste of summer is ready when you need it.
Freeze some for later. Whole or chopped tomatoes can be portioned, labeled, and frozen for soups, stews, and sauces. They may be softer after thawing, but they still bring plenty of flavor to cooked dishes.
Dry the extras. Use an oven or dehydrator to dry sliced tomatoes until their flavor is concentrated. Add them to sandwiches, salads, pasta, or a snack plate whenever you want a little extra richness.
Share the crop. When the counter is full, pass a bag or basket along to neighbors, friends, or anyone who could use a few good tomatoes. Sharing is often the simplest way to make sure the abundance gets enjoyed.
However you use them, we hope these ideas help you enjoy every last tomato. If you have a favorite way to use a bountiful crop, please share it with us while at the Well Rooted Farmstand.