Heirloom Tomatoes Are Here!

Summer is in full swing now that the heirloom tomatoes are finally at the Watsonville Certified Farmers Market.

Tangy-sweet, juicy and bursting with flavor, heirloom tomato season is eagerly anticipated by tomato lovers all year. Characteristically ripening in late July and proliferating well into mid/late-September, for many, this heat-loving perennial is heaven-sent.

More rustic that their globe-shaped cousins, heirloom tomatoes can have a creased, segmented or even lumpy appearance. The varieties of heirlooms are numerous and colorful, ranging in shades from deep plum, to red, yellow and orange, to variegated green. Although sometimes referred to as "ugly,"  for these brightly colored gems beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder!

Like other tomato varieties, heirloom tomatoes are high in vitamin C, beta-carotene and the powerful antioxidant, lycopene.

To experience their full effect, enjoy the sweet pleasure of eating juicy heirlooms right out of your hand. For a less messy alternative, slice them, place them on a plate and sprinkle with sea salt, a little balsamic and olive oil, and top with some ribbons of basil. Pop this on top of some slices of fresh mozzarella and you've got yourself a simple caprese salad. Or, roughly chop the mixture to make a savory bruschetta to pile onto your favorite sliced baguette. Combine chopped heirlooms with some peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro, and lemon juice for a vibrant salsa. Throw them on pizza, use them in pasta sauces, dry them in the sun; the uses are endless.

However you slice 'em, heirlooms are a fleeting treat, so head on down to the market and get some now; they'll be gone before you know it!

Shopping at the farmers market is a wonderful way to connect with your community, support local farmers, and eat seasonally.

The Watsonville Certified Farmers Market is 3-7:30 p.m. every Friday on the corner of Peck and Main streets. The market is open rain or shine.