The Taste of Summer: Why Local Heirloom Tomatoes Are Worth the Wait + A Fried Green Tomato Recipe
There is nothing quite like the first bite of a summer tomato picked fresh from the farm. Juicy, flavorful, and full of that unmistakable garden-fresh taste, locally grown tomatoes are one of the season’s most anticipated harvests.
While grocery store tomatoes can be convenient, many people notice a big difference when they taste a tomato grown locally and harvested at peak ripeness. Local farmers have the opportunity to grow varieties chosen for flavor, texture, and quality, bringing you tomatoes that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
This summer, Piedmont Fresh is excited to welcome fresh tomatoes from Correll Farms as they come into season. These locally grown tomatoes are harvested at the right time and delivered fresh to customers looking to enjoy the best flavors of summer.
What Makes Heirloom Tomatoes So Special?
Heirloom tomatoes are some of the most unique and flavorful varieties you can find. Unlike many commercial tomato varieties that are bred primarily for long-distance shipping and uniform appearance, heirlooms are often grown because of their incredible taste and history.
Many heirloom varieties have been saved and passed down through generations of farmers and gardeners. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, including deep purple, yellow, orange, green, and striped varieties.
Some popular heirloom varieties include Cherokee Purple, Brandywine, and Mortgage Lifter. Each variety has its own flavor profile, from sweet and fruity to rich and slightly smoky.
The best part? Their flavor shines with simple preparation. A slice of a ripe heirloom tomato with a little salt and pepper can be one of summer’s easiest and most delicious treats.
Why Do Local Tomatoes Taste Better?
The difference often comes down to how tomatoes are grown, harvested, and transported.
Farm-fresh tomatoes are typically:
Picked when they are ripe and ready to eat
Allowed more time on the vine to develop flavor
Grown in smaller batches with attention to quality
Available in unique varieties that are not commonly found in stores
Many grocery store tomatoes are harvested before they are fully ripe so they can handle transportation and stay fresh longer. While this helps tomatoes travel across the country, it can also mean missing out on some of the flavor that develops naturally while ripening on the vine.
When you buy local, you get the chance to enjoy tomatoes the way they were meant to be enjoyed: fresh, flavorful, and in season.
Celebrate Summer Tomatoes with Piedmont Fresh
Supporting local tomatoes means supporting the farmers who grow them. Every purchase helps keep dollars within our local food system and allows small farms to continue producing fresh, seasonal food for our communities.
Keep an eye on Piedmont Fresh’s weekly offerings as tomatoes become available from Correll Farms and other local producers. Whether you are making a fresh summer salad, topping a sandwich, or cooking up a classic Southern recipe, locally grown tomatoes are a delicious way to taste the season.
Crispy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
Before tomatoes fully ripen into their sweet, juicy summer state, green tomatoes offer a delicious opportunity to enjoy a Southern classic: fried green tomatoes.
Ingredients:
4 medium green tomatoes
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking oil for frying
Instructions:
Slice green tomatoes into approximately 1/4-inch slices.
Lightly sprinkle the slices with salt and allow them to sit for about 10 minutes. Pat dry with a paper towel.
In one bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
Dip each tomato slice into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and back into the coating mixture.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Fry tomato slices for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, alongside grilled favorites, or enjoy them as a summertime snack.
Taste the Difference of Local
Summer tomatoes are here for a limited time, and there is no better way to enjoy them than fresh from local farms. Shop Piedmont Fresh for seasonal produce and support the farmers who bring fresh food from their fields to your table.