Cherry Tomatoes: How to Choose Them, How to Use Them
Cherry tomatoes are one of the only varieties that, even in the winter, don’t take on that orange, mealy appearance that has us all running from greenhouse grown globes. Cherry tomatoes retain most of their sweetness, even off-season… which is only a hint of what true, organic, seasonal cherry tomatoes should and do taste like.
Cherry Tomato Varieties
Cherry tomatoes are available in many different varieties; if you want to find most of these little guys, you’ll have to grow them yourself from seeds, or ask your local farmer.
Sungold cherry tomatoes are known for their bright yellow color. The plants themselves are very fruitful, which make them a great choice for tomato lovers to grow.
Black cherry tomatoes are, as their name suggests, darker in color. They’re also smokier in flavor.
For true tomato flavor in your cherry tomatoes, try an heirloom red variety, like Camp Joy.
As with any tomato, pick cherry tomatoes with a firm, taut skin and a deep color. Steer clear of ones that have burst. If you can get them on the vine, that’s even better.
Cherry Tomato Recipes
Cherry tomatoes are, of course, delicious plain, but here are some of our favorite recipes, for when you want to dress them up a bit.
- For a quick and easy hors d’oeuvre, spear mini bocconcini balls and cherry tomatoes on toothpicks. Serve with balsamic dressing or pesto for dipping.
- Roasted cherry tomatoes make an excellent addition to an antipasto platter or a sauce for pasta or fish. Scatter cherry tomatoes in a baking dish and toss with salt, olive oil and a drizzle of orange juice. Roast for 2-3 hours at 200 degrees for tangy, concentrated tomato flavor. You could also try our very own Oven Dried Organic Cherry Tomatoes.
- Use them in place of regular tomatoes in our Raw Summer Pasta Sauce.
- Try a Cherry Tomato Salad with Tarragon and Chives.
- Cherry tomatoes become the star of a Cherry Tomato Couscous.
Image: photofarmer
