Turn very ripe tomatoes into delicious dishes for the whole family.
Ripe tomatoes have a bright red exterior and an inside that is juicy and firm. Overripe tomatoes have a slightly different taste, but are still useful in recipes. The inside of the tomato has a mushy texture and will often produce more juice than a perfectly ripe one. Use your very ripe tomatoes for recipes now, as well as recipes you make in the future.
Storage
Penny's Tomatoes recommends storing the overripe tomatoes and using them in dishes once the season passes. Check the tomatoes carefully, looking for any mold or bad spots. Trim the outside with a knife, just removing the darkened or rotten areas. Bring a pot of water to a boil and submerge the tomatoes in the water. Wait one minute and quickly shock in a bowl of ice water. Remove the peel and cut the tomatoes into small cubes. Store the cubes in plastic bags in your freezer.
Sauce Ideas
A fresh tomato sauce takes full advantage of the tomatoes' natural flavor and the mushiness of overripe tomatoes. Cut away any rotten or moldy spots from the tomato and cut into large chunks. Toss the tomatoes in a hot pan with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and basil. Cook the tomatoes quickly, until every side is lightly seared, then turn the heat down. Simmer over low heat until the tomatoes break down and form a sauce. You can add any spices, seasonings or vegetables to make your own tomato sauce.
Tomato Salad
The rich flavor of the overripe tomato pairs nicely with other vegetables for a quick and simple salad. Peel the tomatoes and toss into a large bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, crushed garlic, salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients and add chunks of day-old bread, such as a loaf of sourdough or another hearty bread. As the tomatoes release their natural juices, the bread softens and absorbs those juices. For a different recipe, add onion and basil to the tomato mixture and sprinkle on toasted bread for bruschetta.
Warning
Colorado State University warns against using overripe or very ripe tomatoes in any recipe that involves canning. Fresh tomatoes have a high level of natural acidity that holds up well to canning. Overripe tomatoes break down during the canning process, turning your sauces and other recipes into a watery mess. Use only fresh tomatoes with firm flesh in canning.
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