A Guide to Tomato Season with Misfits Market
This year, we're taking full advantage of tomato season, scooping up as many as we can. We turned to our friends at Misfits Market, an online grocery delivery service making shopping for sustainable, high-quality groceries easier than ever, for their best tips when it comes to selecting tomatoes and making the most of the season.
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*Offer valid for first-time purchasers only. Offer must be claimed using code MATERIAL12X4 by August 31, 2024 at 11:45 PM ET and must be used in full by October 31, 2024 at 11:45 PM ET. Maximum discount of $12 applied at checkout towards each of your first four orders ($48 total value). Order minimum applies, and $50 order minimum required to redeem offer. Offer not valid for past purchases and may not be combined with other offers. Exclusions may apply.
Q:
What should you look for in a tomato?
A:
It's all about color, smell and texture. They should have a deep, vivid color and a little give when you apply light pressure. They might even be a little bit soft. Give them a smell! A tomato at its peak will have a sweet aroma. That's how you know you've got a good tomato on your hands.
Q:
What are some common types of tomatoes? Any recommendations on best uses for each type?
A:
There are so many different types of tomatoes. It's easy to get lost! Here are some of our favorites.
- Roma Tomatoes: These are great for cooking. The classic tomato for a marinara sauce.
- Heirlooms: The stars of the season, heirloom tomatoes are available in many different varietals. We love the classic Brandywine tomato and eat them raw on tomato toast or a simple tomato and burrata salad.
- Snacking Tomatoes: Think cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes, which are perfect for popping back and can be used interchangeably. If you come across some Sungolds, grab them! They're particularly sweet with a high Brix level (a measurement of the sugar found in produce).
- Beefsteaks: These hearty, bright red tomatoes are our pick for burgers and sandwiches. You can typically find these year-round but they're always best in peak season.
- Tomatillos: Our pick for salsa, these green tomatoes are one of our favorites to cook with.
Q:
What makes heirloom tomatoes so unique? And why do some have cracks in them?
A:
For this, we turned to Misfits Market's heirloom tomato farmers, Tony Serrano: "The cracks are stretch marks from growing too fast and big. Remember these have not been crossbred with any other tomatoes to select for traits avoiding this phenomena. They are all natural!"
Q:
OK, I've got my tomatoes. Now what? How should I store them?
A:
Always store your tomatoes at room temperature. Leave them on your counter in a dry area, stem-side down and enjoy when ripe. If you're not going to eat them for a little while, canning or jarring is a great way to preserve the taste of summer all winter long.
