Fresh Tomatoes

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What to do with those tomatoes!

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the simplicity of a tomato or you wonder how to pair them with herbs, spices, and seasonings, you’ll be happy to know there are several really great options!

First of all, the best tomatoes are the ones that come straight from the garden. They’re picked at just the right time for the optimum flavor. But even if you don’t have a garden of your own, chances are you can pick up a few at a nearby farmers market or roadside vegetable stand, or you have a friend who would be happy to share.

To enjoy those juicy, ripe, red beauties for their simple taste, check out these ideas–some are old standbys and some you may not have thought of.

Pairing Tomatoes with Herbs & Spices

There are many ways to enjoy the pure flavor of a just-sliced tomato. Here are a few seasonings that pair well with a fresh garden tomato:

• Basil – Tomatoes and basil are a classic pair–they look great, smell great, and taste great together. PLUS, if you have your own garden and plant tomatoes and basil side by side, both will grow better and you can harvest them together.
• Caraway – Yes, that little sweet and bitter spice you think of with sauerkraut is actually delicious with tomatoes.
• Dill – Shake a little of this herb (dried or fresh) onto your tomatoes for a punch of summertime garden-y flavor.
• Garlic – Ah, garlic! It’s delicious on just about everything.
• Parsley – Parsley’s mildly sweet and tangy flavor is a hit paired with the tomato.
• Salt & pepper – The simplest form of enjoyment that let’s the tomato’s flavor shine through. Don’t underestimate the power of basic S&P.

Don’t stop there, though. Experiment with others like mint, sage, and thyme too. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite companion.

Slicing Tomatoes

We can’t talk about tomatoes without telling you about the Rada Tomato Slicer!

Nothing cuts tomatoes quite like it; it perfectly slices the juiciest tomatoes, without squashing them. Whether you want thin tomato slices or prefer your tomatoes thickly sliced, this knife will glide through easily! And regardless if you’re slicing big or tiny, over-ripe red or under-ripe green, heirloom or hybrid, you’ll be glad you have this tomato-slicing knife on hand in the kitchen!

Oh, and this is a left-handers dream–it can be used by “lefties” and “righties” equally well, so EVERYBODY’S happy!

Product Reviews

Undeniably, nobody says it better than our own customers.

“I received a Tomato Slicer as a gift and have bought several for gifts in the years since. It is perfect on tomatoes! While I try and reserve it for that, I will grab it whenever something is too soft for other knives. Still sharp after over 5 years.“ Daphne.

“I love my Rada Tomato Slicer knife! It’s razor sharp and I’ve already used it on over 100 pounds of tomatoes! I feel very sure that my grandma used one too! I love knowing that I’m using a great knife that is also American made, from an old, proven, trusted company! So, you’ve got a new fan!” Trystan G.

“No better knife than the tomato knife. I use it for everything. Great gift too.” John C.

Keep reading for some yummy recipes, with your tomatoes as the star.

What to do with tomatoes?

If you want the flavor of your tomatoes to really shine through, keep it simple. Check out these ideas for inspiration.

Simple Caprese Salad
Tomato slices + fresh mozzarella slices + olive oil + basil, salt, and pepper = pure deliciousness

Caprese Salad Sandwich
Now, just add those same ingredients to a crusty roll along with a swipe of basil pesto or garlic aioli for a sandwich that is out-of-this-world delicious!

How to Make Basil Pesto

For about 1 C. of pesto: Rinse 2 C. packed fresh basil leaves  in a colander under running water. Roll the leaves in a kitchen towel to quickly remove excess water. Add the leaves and ⅓ C. pine nuts or walnuts to a food processor bowl; pulse several times. Add ½ C. grated Parmesan cheese and 1 T. minced garlic and pulse a few more times; scrape the sides of the bowl. With the food processor running, drizzle ½ C. olive oil through the chute; scrape the sides of the bowl and stir in salt and pepper to taste.

Make Your Own Garlic Aioli

For about ¾ C. of aioli: In a bowl, whisk together ¾ C. mayo, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2½ T. lemon juice, ¾ tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. black pepper. Cover and refrigerate several hours before using.

Do you love Rada products?

You’re not alone! Individuals and small businesses have sold Rada Cutlery for decades. If you’d like to earn EXTRA CASH selling Rada products from your home or store, at events like farmers markets or community events, or online, find out more here. We’d love to work with you!

Then check out some of the Rada products that customers all over the country have chosen as their favorites.