Farmers Market: Easy Tomato Tart

Heirloom tomatoes are not your ordinary garden variety. Each variety has a rich history, with seeds passed down from generation to generation. The result? Tomatoes bursting with unique colors, shapes, and flavors that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable adventure.

From Brandywines to Cherokee Purples, each heirloom tomato has its own personality and taste profile. Whether you're looking for a tangy addition to your salads or a sweet tomato for canning, heirlooms have got you covered.

Get ready to elevate your culinary creations with the fresh flavors of heirloom tomatoes!

Heirloom tomatoes are not your average supermarket tomatoes; they are a special category of tomatoes that have been cultivated for their unique qualities. These tomatoes come from seeds that have been passed down through generations, preserving their distinct characteristics. Heirloom tomatoes stand out for their diverse colors, shapes, and flavors, offering a wide range of options for culinary exploration.

One of the defining features of heirloom tomatoes is their rich history. Each variety has a story to tell, often linked to specific regions or families who have nurtured these tomatoes for decades. These tomatoes are open-pollinated, meaning they are not crossbred with other varieties, allowing them to maintain their original traits. From the luscious Pink Brandywines to the exotic Green Zebras, heirloom tomatoes come in a captivating array that appeals to both gardeners and food enthusiasts.

Growing heirloom tomatoes is a labor of love that requires patience and dedication. Unlike hybrid tomatoes bred for uniformity and shipping durability, heirlooms prioritize flavor and diversity. These tomatoes thrive in diverse climates and soil conditions, making them a favorite choice for home gardeners and small-scale farmers. By savoring heirloom tomatoes, you not only enjoy their exceptional taste but also support biodiversity and the preservation of traditional farming practices.

Purchasing heirloom tomatoes from local farmers offers a myriad of benefits that extend beyond taste and freshness. When you buy directly from farmers at local markets, you establish a direct connection to the source of your food, fostering a sense of community and sustainability. By supporting local farmers, you contribute to the preservation of heirloom varieties and help maintain agricultural diversity.

Local farmers who grow heirloom tomatoes often prioritize organic and sustainable farming practices, ensuring that you receive high-quality produce that is free from harmful chemicals. These tomatoes are typically harvested at the peak of ripeness, maximizing their flavor and nutritional content. By choosing heirloom tomatoes from local farmers, you can enjoy a taste of seasonal abundance while promoting environmentally friendly agriculture.

By incorporating heirloom tomatoes from local farmers into your cooking, you not only elevate the flavors of your dishes but also support a sustainable food system rooted in tradition and community. Next time you visit your local farmers market, savor the beauty of heirloom tomatoes and celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors that these exceptional fruits bring to your table.

Yield 4

Author Terri Steffes

Prep time

15 Min

Cook time

20 Min

Total time

35 Min

Print

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Easy Tomato Tart

This tart is made easy by using a sheet of puff pastry as its base. The rest is oh, so, delicious!

Ingredients

• 4 heirloom tomatoes, cored, sliced
• 2 T balsamic glaze
• 1 T extra virgin olive oil
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• salt and pepper
• 1 frozen puff pastry sheet
• 1 c shredded white cheese of choice
• 1/2 c shredded gouda
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
• Shredded or grated parmesan cheese
• basil, cut into strips

Instructions

1. Preheat over to 400 degrees F. On a baking sheet, lay a piece of parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the basil, balsamic, garlic, salt and pepper and mix well. Add the tomatoes and toss to coat.
3. Lay the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll out gently. Place it on the parchment on the pan.
4. Sprinkle the cheeses over the dough, leaving a 1" border around the edge. Layer tomatoes on top of the cheeses, pressing gently. Arrange the tomatoes in a pleasing design.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry inward and brush with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with the Bagel Seasoning.
6. Bake for 20 minutes. The pastry should be golden brown. Top with more balsamic syrup, basil, parmesan, and black pepper. Serve hot.

Notes

If your tomatoes are extra juicy, blot them with a paper towel to keep the crust from getting soggy.

Add other herbs as you please: tarragon, roasted garlic or thyme.

For an over-the-top experience, add carmelized onions, goat cheese, and/or chives.

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