Tomatoes and Basil

Heirloom Tomatoes

Here are my latest tomatoes, it’s the first of the Purple Cherokee from the seeds given to me by my fellow gardner at Seeded.
I tried my first one last night it was divine. The plant itself has been growing great and has lots of fruit on it. It’s not having the problems that Brandywine seems to be struggling with (blossom end rot). I’ve also had success with my Cherry, Green Zebra, Chico III Roma and Italian Market. The Brandywine and the Speckled Roma have still not produced any viable fruit. But the Purple Cherokee is my favorite so far this year.

Personally, I don’t think you could find two food that taste better together than Basil and Tomatoes. So far this year we have used both in Caprese salad, salsa, Chicken Parmigiana, Cucumber Tomato Basil salad, Bruschetta, and lots more. Pardon my blurry pictures but these looked so good I didn’t have time to focus the camera.

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Caprese Salad
1/2 pound of Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4 inch thick
2-3 ripe tomatoes (depending on size) sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 cup fresh basil leaves
Coarse salt and Freshly Ground pepper
Drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil
Pesto (optional)

Lay a slice tomato on top of the mozzarella slices on a large plate creating an overlaping effect. Tear or chop in strips basil leaves and sprinkle on top of the tomato and cheese slices. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. We also added a dollop of Pesto but this is optional. Parmesan slices placed on top (also optional)

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Do you have any favorite tomato and basil recipes?


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5 responses to “Tomatoes and Basil”

  1. gina Avatar

    Those are some beautiful tomatoes! In answer to your question on my blog, I grew the lemon cucumber from seed I direct sowed in the ground in my raised beds.

  2. Shibaguyz Avatar

    So exciting to see your Purple Cherokee… we’re growing these for the first time this year.

  3. Julie Avatar

    Pretty tomatoes!!! I like tomato basil pizza, and how about tomatoe bisque with basil??? So great for summer, this combination, isn’t it???

  4. Angie Avatar

    Looks wonderful!

  5. nkristis Avatar

    Gina, Thanks it’s great to hear from you.

    Shiba Guys: Welcome, thanks for commenting. I think you’ll really enjoy the purple cherokee. It looks like you have a great variety of tomatoes in your garden.

    Julie: I agree great combination.

    Angie: Thanks!

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