We are seeing some great tomatoes at the market lately. We recently found these tiny vine-ripened tomatoes that were so fresh, red, and juicy we had to snap them up.
Here's a reminder, though, about fresh tomatoes: don't store them in the refrigerator. When fresh tomatoes are chilled they get that unpleasant grainy, mealy texture. It also stops their ripening process. Food kitchen scientist Shirley Corriher says this is due to the fact that one of their key chemical components, (Z)-3-dexenal, is hurt by the cold.
Instead, store tomatoes on the countertop in a bowl, and eat them within a day or two of purchasing.
