As June arrives in France, tomato lovers rejoice as the much-anticipated tomato season begins.
Vibrant and succulent, tomatoes come into their prime during this time, offering a bounty of flavors and colors. Farmers’ markets and grocery stores brim with a wide array of varieties, from juicy Marmande and Coeur de Boeuf to tangy Green Zebra and sweet Cerise.
As the sun ripens these luscious fruits, they become the stars of refreshing salads, vibrant salsas, and hearty sauces. June marks the start of a tomato feast, where French kitchens embrace the rich harvest, celebrating the versatility and tantalizing taste of these beloved summer gems. Remember: When in doubt, just go for the Label Rouge products.
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Marmande
This classic French variety is renowned for its exceptional flavor and juicy flesh. With a slightly flattened shape, Marmande tomatoes are perfect for slicing and adding to salads or sandwiches. They also make a fantastic base for homemade tomato sauces and are ideal for oven-roasting due to their concentrated flavor.
Coeur de Boeuf
Translating to “beefsteak,” Coeur de Boeuf tomatoes are highly prized for their large, meaty fruits and rich, sweet flavor. Slice them thickly and use them as the star ingredient in a Caprese salad. Their robust texture and taste also make them an excellent choice for grilling or roasting alongside other vegetables.
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Noire de Crimée
Also known as “Black Krim,” this heirloom variety originating from Crimea boasts dark purple-red fruits with a smoky, complex flavor. Embrace their unique characteristics by using them in tomato-based salsas or chutneys. Roasting Noire de Crimée tomatoes intensifies their flavor and adds depth to pasta dishes or bruschetta toppings.
Ananas
Ananas, also called “Pineapple Tomato,” delights with its yellow-orange striped fruits and sweet, tangy flavor reminiscent of pineapples. These tomatoes shine in fresh salads, providing a burst of tropical sweetness. Their vibrant color also adds visual appeal to a homemade tomato salsa or gazpacho.
Rose de Berne
A Swiss heirloom variety, Rose de Berne produces medium-sized, pink fruits with a sweet and balanced flavor. Slice them for a colorful addition to a tomato and mozzarella salad or pair them with creamy goat cheese in a tart or quiche. Their delicate taste makes them ideal for enjoying raw or lightly cooked.
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Montfavet
Known for its excellent disease resistance, Montfavet is a French hybrid variety that produces large, round, and juicy fruits. These tomatoes are perfect for making fresh tomato sauces or using as a base for tomato soup. They’re also ideal for stuffing with herbs, breadcrumbs, and cheese for a delicious baked dish.
Green Zebra
Although not native to France, Green Zebra is a popular heirloom variety loved for its small to medium-sized, green-striped fruits. These tangy tomatoes add a burst of flavor to salads and sandwiches. Impress your guests by using Green Zebra tomatoes in a homemade green tomato chutney or as a colorful topping for bruschetta.
Cerise
Perfectly sized for snacking or adding to salads, Cerise tomatoes are small, cherry-sized fruits that come in various colors, including red, yellow, and orange. Pop them into your mouth as a refreshing and nutritious snack or toss them into a summer salad for a burst of sweetness. They also make a delightful addition to a cheese platter.
Cornue des Andes
With its unique, long, curved fruits resembling chili peppers, Cornue des Andes offers a mild and sweet flavor. Showcase their distinct shape by using them in tomato tarts or galettes. Their sweet taste works wonders in tomato-based salsas or as a key ingredient in a refreshing gazpacho.
Brandywine
Although originally from the United States, Brandywine is a beloved heirloom variety in France. These large, pink fruits offer a rich and sweet flavor, perfect for slicing and enjoying in sandwiches or burgers. Blend them into a velvety tomato bisque or use them as a base for a hearty tomato sauce to accompany pasta dishes.
Oxheart
Oxheart tomatoes captivate with their large, heart-shaped fruits and sweet, mild flavor. Their meaty texture makes them an excellent choice for grilling or roasting alongside other vegetables. Additionally, their firm flesh holds up well in tomato salads, where they add a touch of sweetness and juiciness.