Weekend Programming: Homage to Heirloom Tomatoes

Posted in Programs and Events on August 22 2008, by Plant Talk

Jessica Blohm is Interpretive Specialist for Public Education.

Jennifer Josef, Director of Public Education at the Garden, can’t wait for Wednesdays to roll around so that she can buy farm-fresh produce at the Garden’s Farmers Market.

This week she bought several varieties of heirloom tomatoes and a big bunch of basil. The heirlooms seen at the market are similar to those depicted in Victor Schrager’s photographs in The Heirloom Tomato, the new exhibit in the Arthur and Janet Ross Gallery, which was also featured in the August 2008 issue of Martha Stewart Living.

The images highlight heirloom tomato varieties grown by Amy Goldman, a self-described “vegetable rights activist” who works to preserve the agricultural heritage and genetic diversity of the world’s vegetables. Jenn visited the gallery to view Victor Schrager’s divine photographs after buying her own fresh produce.

Jenn’s family, originally from Agrigento, Sicily, in Italy, loves to make traditional Italian delights with heirloom tomatoes. After the jump are three tomato recipes that Jenn makes with her mother. Check out these classic Mama Josef summertime treats yourself and let us know how you like them!

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella
Fresh tomatoes
Fresh basil
Extra-virgin olive oil
Balsamic vinaigrette
Salt and pepper

Slice the mozzarella and the tomatoes and layer them on a plate. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, a pinch of salt and pepper, and several basil leaves on top. Serve fresh and enjoy!

Bruschetta

Crusty bread
Tomatoes
Red onion
Basil
Garlic
Extra-virgin olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper

Slice and toast your favorite crusty bread. Dice up your favorite type of tomatoes (heirloom tomatoes work especially well). Chop up one small red onion and one handful of basil leaves. Combine the tomatoes, onion, and basil in a bowl. Add crushed garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir together.
For a different twist, you can also add some chopped kalamata olives or fresh mozzarella.
Generously spoon mixture on top of the toasted bread and serve.

Simplest Summer Tomato Salad

Tomatoes
Red or Vidalia onion
Dressing

Cut tomatoes into wedges. Finely slice a red or sweet Vidalia onion. Combine in a bowl with Italian dressing or balsamic vinaigrette and serve.