Tomato Time

Viva Variety

Tomatoes are a low-calorie vegetable (scientifically considered fruit) that are low in fat and have no cholesterol. They are rich in lycopene, a compound known to make skin less sensitive to UV light damage, and are anticipated for summer! Check out the mouthwatering varieties below, complete with culinary tips for each. We’re proud to source some of these varieties from local farms here in the Northeast each year.


Reeves Farms home.grown. Tomatoes
We’ve been sourcing tomatoes and a variety of other crops from Reeves Farms in Baldwinsville, New York for over 25 years. Brian Reeves and the folks at this family-run farm are tomato growing fanatics. If you grow tomatoes at home each year, they recommend grape and cherry varieties. These bite-size varieties are great for home gardens and container growing, and tend to have better disease resistance than some larger varieties. Whether they’re talking about home gardens or vegetable farming, the Reeves Farms team is big on beefsteaks, too. You can’t go wrong with a big, juicy tomato. We’re excited to get our first delivery of Reeves Farms home.grown. tomatoes later this growing season!


Beefsteaks
As their name suggests, beefsteaks are the sturdiest, meatiest tomato
in the tomato kingdom. Choose beefsteaks if you’re looking for big, thick slices
that can stand up to your summer burger (and be large enough to cover the bun).


Cherry & Grape Tomatoes
Cherry and grape varieties offer sweet bursts of flavor in bite-sized
packages. Broil cherry tomatoes and stir in chopped basil for a quick pasta
sauce, or pack grape tomatoes as a healthy on-the-go snack.


Romas
Oval-shaped Romas are the tomatoes to select for sauces or
other cooked dishes. They are fleshier and contain less water, resulting in thicker, richer sauces. Romas are also a great choice for topping a pizza or bruschetta.


Tomatoes on the Vine
Tomatoes harvested on the vine tend to have a fuller flavor and a deeper red color, indicating a riper fruit. Use these small, juicy tomatoes in salads or sandwiches.


Heirloom Varieties
Colorful displays of heirloom tomatoes, in hues from bright yellow to dark purplish-green, are now a common sight in many markets. “Heirloom” refers to the fact that these are old varieties that have not been bred for traits such as pest resistance or sturdiness. Because of this, these tomatoes tend to be delicate and sell at a premium price, but their exquisite taste is worth the splurge. Prepare them as simply as possible to fully appreciate their unique flavors.