Buying and storing

A ripe field tomato should be firm, though not rock-hard, and have a slightly supple quality to its surface; it should feel heavy for its size.

Avoid any sign of mould or bruising. The occasional small surface cracks at the bottom of a tomato won't affect its quality.

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, to prevent uneven ripening.

Only in extreme heat, or if overripe, should tomatoes be stored in the refrigerator butter compartment. But to ensure full flavour, allow them to reach room temperature before serving.

To ripen tomatoes, store in a plain brown paper bag with apples or pears. Both release a natural ethylene gas that speeds up ripening.

When buying tomatoes, use this helpful guide:

3 to 4 small tomatoes equal 1 lb/500 g
a 4 L basket contains 6 lbs/2.5 kg tomatoes

Preparing

Rinse under running water and drain on clean towelling.

Hint: Tomatoes sliced from stem end to bottom will keep their juice better than those sliced crosswise.

To peel, dip in boiling water for 10 to 30 seconds using a fork to pierce the stem end. Immediately submerge in cold water. When cool enough to handle, gently loosen the skin with a knife tip and peel.

To remove seeds, halve the tomatoes crosswise and gently squeeze into a sieve over a bowl to catch the seeds as the juice runs out.

Note:
Because of their high acidity, prepare tomatoes in pans with non-reactive surfaces (e.g. enamelware or stainless steel).

Avoid aluminium and non-stainless steel because the tomato's acid will react with them to produce a bitter aftertaste. Especially avoid copper as the reaction can be toxic.

Plastic bowls may be stained by tomato juices. Use glass or china.

Field tomatoes

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