The Charm of Cherry Tomatoes
From Fairy Gardens to Your Plate
When my daughter was three, we decided to create a fairy garden in our yard. We chose a circular patch of dirt where a tree had been, a spot where grass stubbornly refused to grow. Together, we planted a variety of flowers and set up a little neighborhood of fairy houses with solar panels that illuminated at night. She loved playing with the fairy figurines, arranging pebble paths to the ceramic fairy koi pond next to a little Japanese garden-style bridge.
One day, we noticed an unexpected plant growing in the garden. We decided to let it grow, curious about what it might become. Eventually, the plant blossomed with little yellow flowers, which turned into tiny cherry tomatoes. I had never grown cherry tomatoes before and was puzzled about where they had come from. I loved telling my daughter that the fairies had planted them as a thank-you for building them a home. It added a touch of magic to our already enchanting garden.
The Health Benefits of Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes, with their vibrant colors and sweet flavor, are a delightful addition to any meal. Not only do they add a burst of freshness, but they also come with a host of health benefits:
Rich in Antioxidants: Cherry tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which has been linked to reducing the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
Promotes Healthy Skin: The high vitamin C content in cherry tomatoes aids in collagen production, promoting healthier, more radiant skin.
Supports Eye Health: They contain vitamin A, which is essential for good vision and overall eye health.
Boosts Digestive Health: Cherry tomatoes are a good source of fiber, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
Hydration: With a high water content, cherry tomatoes help keep you hydrated, especially important during hot summer days.
Cultural and Historical Significance of Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes have a rich history that dates back to ancient civilizations in South America, where they were first cultivated by the Aztecs and Incas. Over time, they made their way to Europe and eventually around the world, becoming a beloved ingredient in various cuisines. Their small size and sweet flavor made them a popular choice for salads, snacks, and garnishes.
In many cultures, tomatoes are associated with prosperity and abundance. In Italy, for instance, cherry tomatoes are a staple in many traditional dishes, symbolizing the country's rich culinary heritage.
Recipe: Cherry Tomato Candy
One of our favorite ways to enjoy cherry tomatoes is by making cherry tomato candy, a delightful treat we learned about from the children's show "Waffles and Mochi," which is all about nutrition.
Ingredients:
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash the cherry tomatoes and pat them dry. Cut them in half and place them in a mixing bowl.
Season the Tomatoes: Add the olive oil, sugar, and salt to the bowl. Toss the tomatoes until they are well-coated.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the tomatoes cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast: Roast the tomatoes for about 5 hours, jiggling the pan every 30 minutes to ensure they don’t stick and rotating the pan 180 degrees to cook evenly. The tomatoes should be semi-dried, shriveled, and taste like candy.
Cool and Serve: Allow the tomatoes to cool before serving. You can garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Quick Variation: If you're short on time, you can speed up the process. Raise the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), skip the sugar, and toss the tomatoes with just olive oil and salt. Roast them for about 45 minutes, until they are shriveled and just starting to split. They won't be as sweet or hold their shape as well in pasta, but they'll still be delicious!
Because it takes so much time to make the tomato candy, this is a great recipe to double or even triple in the summer when every store and farmer’s market has lots of tomatoes. You can store any extra tomato candy in a glass jar, cover the tomatoes with olive oil, and refrigerate for up to 6 weeks. Or, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid and then pack them into freezer bags and freeze for up to 6 months.
Tomato candy is versatile and tastes great not only in pasta but also as an omelet topping.
Recipe: Cherry Tomato Pasta
Adding these delightful cherry tomato candies to pasta creates a simple yet flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
3 cups of pasta (your choice)
2 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Cherry tomato candy (from the recipe above)
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cherry tomato candy and sauté for a few minutes to warm them through.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the tomatoes and olive oil. Remove from heat.
Add Cheese and Basil: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and add the chopped basil leaves. Toss gently to combine.
Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
This cherry tomato pasta is a perfect dish for a quick and healthy meal, combining the sweetness of the caramelized tomatoes with the fresh flavors of basil and Parmesan. Enjoy!
