12 Ways to Eat Heirloom Tomatoes This Summer

Nikole Stewart |

Aug 24, 2024

Ways to Eat Heirloom Tomatoes, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Vine-ripened and vibrantly-colored heirloom tomatoes are summer’s sweetest treat.

Unlike conventional, mealy tomatoes found in the grocery store year-round, heirlooms pop up only for a few sweet weeks in the summer. Here’s how to take advantage of local produce and 12 delicious ways to eat heirloom tomatoes all summer.

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Buying Heirloom Tomatoes

Buying Tomatoes, Unsplash — Credit: Unsplash

Crowding the farmer’s market with their unmistakable flashy colors and bulbous shapes and sizes, heirloom tomatoes are summer showstoppers.

There are hundreds of heirloom tomato varieties grown all over the world, but according to Tomato Fest, Americans have a favorite ten. The most popular heirloom varieties include black cherry, brandywine sudduth’s strain, chocolate stripes, blondkopfchen, black krim, azoychka, amana orange, delicious, brandywine OTV, and Dixie golden giant.

With names like these, it’s impossible not to be drawn to tasty heirlooms. When selecting tomatoes at the farmers market, look for the fruit that feels heavy (especially for its size). The heirloom should not have bruises, mushy spots, or any signs of decay. Cracking is normal in heirlooms, and as long as you cannot see the flesh through the crack, they’re safe to eat.

Carefully handle heirlooms on their trip home, as they are prone to squishing and bruising. Store heirloom tomatoes on the countertop – not the refrigerator – where they will keep fresh for up to four days.

Heirloom Tomato Nutrition

Like all tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants¹. Notably, heirlooms contain iron, potassium, vitamins A and C, a variety of B vitamins, and fiber.

All tomato varieties are rich in lycopene, a carotenoid compound responsible for the fruit’s brilliant red and orange colors. Consumption of lycopene-rich foods is thought to lower the risk of skin cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation².

It’s important to note that lycopene bioavailability (or, how easily the body can use a substance) increases once cooked. Lycopene is also more readily available in the body when consumed with a type of fat, particularly olive oil³. Raw or cooked, however, heirloom tomatoes are still packed with antioxidants.

Sometimes all you need to eat healthy is a little inspiration. To take advantage of all these nutrients, check out our 12 favorite ways to eat heirloom tomatoes.

1. Heirloom Tomatoes on Toast

Ways to Eat Heirloom Tomatoes, Tomato Toast — Credit: Unsplash

So what are the best ways to eat heirloom tomatoes while they’re in season? Slice fresh heirlooms on toast with basil and olive oil for a simple breakfast or lunch.

2. Gazpacho

Ways to Eat Heirloom Tomatoes, Gazpacho — Credit: Unsplash

Cool off during a hot summer day with heirloom tomato gazpacho. All you need to do is quickly blanch the tomatoes and then add them to a food processor with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Blend until smooth for a silky gazpacho.

3. Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Lasagna

Ways to Eat Heirloom Tomatoes, Veggie Lasagna — Credit: Unsplash

Heirloom tomatoes are more flavorful than regular tomatoes, making them perfect for vegetarian lasagna. Simply layer slices of tomatoes with eggplant, zucchini, and mozzarella and bake for a gluten-free and veggie-packed dinner.

4. Avocado Toast

Ways to Eat Heirloom Tomatoes, Avocado Toast — Credit: Unsplash

Add some sweetness to your next savory breakfast by adding heirloom tomatoes to avocado toast. This meal highlights the natural flavor of heirloom tomatoes while still keeping you full.

5. Veggie Tomato Sauce on Pasta

Ways to Eat Heirloom Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce — Credit: Unsplash

Enhance a classic red pasta sauce using fresh heirloom tomatoes. Chop and lightly sauté the tomatoes with garlic and spinach and top over pasta.

6. Veggie Pizza

Ways to Eat Heirloom Tomatoes, Veggie Pizza — Credit: Unsplash

Heirloom tomatoes are the perfect topping for pizza, too. Add heirlooms along with lots of other veggies or try these vegan pizza recipes.

7. Summer Salad

Ways to Eat Heirloom Tomatoes, Summer Salad — Credit: Unsplash

One of the best ways to eat heirloom tomatoes is by adding them to a salad where they can stand out. Try a combination of fresh tomatoes, watermelon, feta cheese, and basil for a refreshing bite.

8. Grilled Tomatoes

Ways to Eat Heirloom Tomatoes, Grilled Tomato — Credit: Unsplash

Drizzle heirloom tomatoes with avocado oil and grill for a warmer flavor. This recipe serves as the perfect topping for a burger or sandwich.

9. Pesto Eggs

Ways to Eat Heirloom Tomatoes, Pesto Egg — Credit: Unsplash

Bake eggs inside heirloom tomatoes and top with arugula pesto. Or, simply toss pesto in your eggs and serve with fresh heirlooms. The sweetness pairs perfectly with scrambled eggs or even inside an omelet.

10. Heirloom Tomato Pie

Ways to Eat Heirloom Tomatoes, Tomato Pie — Credit: Unsplash

Heirloom tomato pie serves as an elevated summer appetizer. Layer tomato slices with mayonnaise and cheese and bake inside a flaky pastry crust.

11. BLT

Ways to Eat Heirloom Tomatoes, blt — Credit: Unsplash

Tomatoes belong on sandwiches. And nothing beats a perfect BLT with juicy and sweet heirloom tomatoes during the peak of summer. Try it with vegan bacon and vegan mayo.

12. Plain and Simple

Ways to Eat Heirloom Tomatoes, simple and plain tomato — Credit: Unsplash

Too busy to make something out of your heirloom tomatoes stash? One of the best ways to eat heirloom tomatoes is just as they are. Sprinkle some sea salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.