Tomatoes are that much-awaited warm season crop, available at the peak of summer through early fall. There are hundreds of varieties of tomato, from striped green zebra heirlooms to traditional red slicers. Tomatoes are in the nightshade family, like potatoes and peppers, and fare best in lots of heat.

Caring For Tomatoes: Store tomatoes loose on counter away from excessive heat or light. Use within 3 days, depending on ripeness. Storing tomatoes in the refrigerator lengthens shelf-life, but removes flavor.

Preparing Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are best for cooking, but most other varieties are excellent eaten raw. There are a hundred ways to prepare them– added to almost any dish, diced on salads, sliced on platters with olive oil and basil, eaten in sandwiches or whole like an apple.

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