How to Buy Heirloom Tomatoes

heirloom tomatoes and peppers

There are more than 100 types of heirloom tomatoes craved for their vibrant flavor and vitamins and antioxidants. Buy heirloom tomatoes at their peak and learn to store them properly to ensure they'll infuse your salads, appetizers and main dishes with vine-ripened flavor.

Instructions

1. Shop for heirloom tomatoes at farmers' or specialty markets as opposed to chain supermarkets. Open markets often sell heirlooms the same day the growers shipped them, ensuring their quality and freshness.

2. Consider the color of the organic heirloom tomatoes to determine how they'll taste. Red heirloom tomatoes (like the Brandywine or Stupice) are sweet, while green and white varieties (like the Green Zebra) are slightly tart and bitter. Buy other heirloom tomatoes with distinct flavors-the Black Krim has a salty taste, while Cherokee Purples have a smoky, sweet flavor, for example.

3. Buy heirloom tomatoes based on the variety and their rich colors rather than the way they're shaped. Heirloom tomatoes can be lopsided, covered with blemishes and still be delicious. Some types, like Orange Bananas, are long and skinny as opposed to the traditional round shape. As long as any cracks in the skin have healed, the tomatoes are safe to eat.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to eat the heirloom tomatoes you buy within few days. Don't store them in the refrigerator, which can affect their flavor and texture. Instead, buy heirloom tomatoes, then store them in a dry place between 55 and 65 degrees, out of direct sunlight. If possible, store them with the stems attached.