Tomatoes Katie Sharpton

By Katie Sharpton

hat comes to mind when you think of ‘tomatoes’? I asked my coworker this and she had

Wa pile of memories to share of growing up and enjoying the juicy fruit, straight from the vine. I, too, have memories of picking the tomatoes and canning them right away with family friends. You know it is summer when the tomatoes are ready to be picked. If you started a garden this summer, whether it is a bountiful backyard or just containers, I am sure you are wondering what to do with all the tomatoes.

Tomatoes are the most popular crop planted in New Mexico home gardens. It depends on the type of plant, but they are fairly easy to grow. A tomato with a determinate growth habit stops growing at a certain height because the main stem develops a flower bud and fruit at the top. This type is best left without a stake. Indeterminate tomatoes grow and produce continuously throughout the growing season. To ensure a good fruit set, many gardeners shake plants at midday when temperatures are warm to settle pollen for good pollination.

This type of fruit is considered TCS (time/temperature control for safety), according to ServSafe. You should not leave any cut TCS foods out for more than four hours at room temperature. Store freshly cut tomatoes in an airtight plastic container or zipbag in the refrigerator. To extend the freshness, it is recommended you wait to wash and clean the tomatoes until you are ready to eat. Extra moisture will increase production of mold.

Whether you have Sungold, Roma, Better Boy, or Cherry tomatoes, they can be used in a variety of ways. • FRIED GREEN TOMATOES • PARMESAN TOMATO ZUCCHINI BAKE • ITALIAN TOMATO AND CUCUMBER SALAD • CHERRY TOMATO PASTA • HOMEMADE PIZZA SAUCE • SALSA • SLICED WITH SALT AND PEPPER • COWBOY CAVIAR • SLICED ON SALADS AND SANDWICHES Here’s a quick and easy recipe:

Tomato Quinoa Salad

• ½ cup cooked quinoa • Can of drained chickpeas • 2 cups of chopped tomato • Herbs and seasonings of your choice (parsley, green onion, lime juice, salt, pepper, garlic, splash of olive oil) Combine all ingredients and enjoy! For more information regarding tomatoes and/or gardening, check out aces.nmsu. edu for publications and research.

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