If you ever thought that Tomatoes are tasteless, you must try Heirloom Tomatoes! They are interesting in color and vary in flavors making these summer treats on to nearly every Chefs menus at some point or another over the summer months. I’ve put together a list of some of the more popular Heirloom Tomatoes. If you come across some of these Tomatoes listed I highly recommend purchasing them. As they are only available for a small handful of months out of the year.

• Big Rainbow – Large Yellow Tomato with Red swirls, it carries a mildly sweet flavor.
• Cherokee Purple – A variety that is related to Cherokee Green, this Tomato has great mild flavor.
• Red Current – A small red Tomato that has firm skin and a juicy sweeter than normal Tomato flesh. Highly Recommended!
• Brandywine – Large Pink/Reddish in color. This most popular of the Heirlooms has a sweet “better than any other Tomato” flavor.
• Yellow Pear – A small Yellow Tomato, makes every plate look that much better. This juicy, full flavored Tomato packs a big flavor!

     The amount of popularity given to Heirloom Tomatoes is clear. The varieties that come in the back door of any restaurant these days is incredible.  The list of things that come to mind start with, the colors are fantastic, the flavors that change just a little with each different variety is incredible. Which means I can take the Heirlooms that are small and Yellow, The big Purple ones & The Big Pink ones. I take out my shape cutters (a.k.a. ring molds) and I cut out different shapes. Now on the plate I have three different colors and shapes. It is very appealing to the eye. The recipe listed below is not only easy to create, it is the freshness of summer on a plate!

 Heirloom Tomatoes with Buffalo Mozzarella, Fresh Basil and Aged Balsamic

Ingredients:

• 3-8 different Heirloom Tomatoes, various sizes and colors
• 8 oz Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella
• 8 Each Fresh Basil Leaves
• 12 Years Aged Balsamic

Method:

• Wash, Cut  and place your fresh Heirloom Tomatoes around the plate.
• Slice Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, place leaning against your cut Tomatoes.
• Rinse Fresh Basil Leaves, place in between Buffalo Mozzarella and Heirloom Tomatoes.
• Drizzle Aged Balsamic across your plate from side to side, please do not use too much. These flavors marry well and the Aged Balsamic will over power the Tomatoes and the Mozzarella.

I encourage you to purchase the freshest, most local ingredients. Keep your food fresh and healthy will follow – Enjoy!