5 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy End-of-Season Tomatoes

Summer’s bounty is winding down, but don’t let those last juicy tomatoes go to waste! We have been cranking out tons of delicious cherry tomatoes with our hydroponic Lettuce Grow, and have had to come up with creative ways to use them all up.

Here are five delicious ways to savor their flavor before the season ends:

1. Roasted Tomato Soup

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, comforting tomato soup on a chilly day. Roast your tomatoes with garlic, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil for a deeply concentrated flavor. Blend until smooth, season to taste, and enjoy with a grilled cheese or a dollop of sour cream.

2. Tomato Sauce or Pasta Sauce

Preserve the taste of summer by making homemade tomato sauce or pasta sauce. Simply roast or sauté your tomatoes with onions, garlic, and your favorite herbs. Simmer until thickened, then blend or crush for a smooth sauce. You can freeze portions for later use.

3. Tomato Jam or Preserves (Sweet and Spicy Tomato Jam Recipe Below!)

Sweeten up those ripe tomatoes and transform them into a delightful spread. Combine tomatoes with sugar, vinegar, and spices like cinnamon or cloves. Cook until the mixture thickens and reduces. Enjoy on toast, with cheese, or as a glaze for grilled meats.

4. Tomato Tart Tatin

For a sweet and savory treat, try making a tomato tart tatin. Caramelize ripe tomatoes in a pan with sugar and butter, then top with puff pastry. Bake until golden brown and invert onto a serving plate. This stunning dessert is perfect for impressing guests.

5. Grilled Tomato and Burrata Salad

Keep it simple and fresh with a grilled tomato and burrata salad. Grill your tomatoes until slightly charred, then top with creamy burrata, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This light and flavorful salad is perfect for a summer evening.

Bonus Tip: If you have an abundance of tomatoes, consider dehydrating them for later use. Dried tomatoes can be added to soups, stews, or pasta dishes for a burst of flavor.

With these ideas, you can make the most of your end-of-season tomato harvest and enjoy their deliciousness long after summer has passed.

Sweet and Spicy Tomato Jam

This tomato jam recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

It’s perfect for spreading on toast or pairing with hard tangy cheeses. Please not that if you don’t want to do water bath canning, then simply store in the refridgerator but make sure to use it up within a few weeks.

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon  
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper  
  1. Spicy Cayenne 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the tomatoes: Place the chopped tomatoes in a large colander and let drain for about an hour. This will help remove excess moisture.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large pot, combine the drained tomatoes, both sugars, vinegar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and cayenne pepper.
3. Cook the jam: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 1-2 hours, or until the jam has thickened and reduced by about half. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
4. Sterilize jars: While the jam is cooking, sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for 5 minutes.
5. Ladle into jars: Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace.  
6. Seal and process: Seal the jars with lids and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Let cool completely before storing.