From rustically shaped heirlooms to robust vine-ripened varieties, tomatoes dazzle with spectacular color and taste. At their absolute best during late summer, these garden favorites serve up a sweet and savory celebration of the season, bursting with flavor and sunshine.
A mouthwatering and more sincere alternative to commercially grown varieties, heirloom tomatoes are experiencing a joyous revival among gardeners. Available in an array of extraordinary colors and quirky shapes, these succulent heritage selections originate from seeds that are often hand-collected and passed down among growers. In striking simplicity, an heirloom tomato salad captures the essence of summer’s divine bounty.
- 2 pounds gourmet MEDLEY™* tomatoes, halved and quartered
- 3 pounds heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon fleur de sel flakes**
- 3 tablespoons extra-light olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- In a large bowl, toss together tomatoes, fleur de sel flakes, olive oil, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
- *For testing purposes, our test kitchen used gourmet MEDLEY™tomatoes, which can be purchased at Whole Foods Market and other specialty foods stores.
- **Fleur de sel (“flower of salt”) is an artisan sea salt composed of young crystals that form naturally on the surface of salt-evaporation ponds. Less salty than conventional table salts, it provides a delicate and somewhat earthy flavor, as well as a delightful crunch.
Styling Yukie McLean
Recipe Development and Food Styling Chantel Lambeth
To see more of our collection of heirloom tomato recipes, see “Tomatoes: The Vibrant Jewels of Summer” on page 84 of the July/August 2010 issue of Victoria.
