RIPE ... HEIRLOOM TOMATOES
The Age
Saturday February 27, 2010
THE flavour of the tomato is most intense at summer's end, when the fruit is sun-ripened. Many are available, from field and roma to cherry and hydroponic, but heirloom varieties are increasing in popularity, thanks in part to the community's focus on quality produce. Heirloom refers to varieties grown and sold before 1960. They come in all shapes, sizes and colours, and taste far superior to red, round, commercial varieties. They are sweeter and juicier with meatier flesh, and can be found at markets and specialist grocers, or as seeds purchased from Digger's Club in Dromana (nine colours are available), and grown in pots. Try the beefy Black Krim, striped Tigerella, flavoursome Black Russian and sweet, pear-shaped, mini-sized numbers in vivid colours. Slow-roast a selection and add to a salad of feta, olives and olive oil.
© 2010 The Age