As we approach the end of April, it's time to harvest the last of the tomatoes from my garden. I'm happy to report that this season has been a success, with the tomatoes planted from seed producing a bountiful harvest.
The first harvest was late December, and the plants have continued to yield produce ever since.
In addition to the chutney and passata, we've also enjoyed tomatoes in recipes like fried green tomatoes, tomato and zucchini ricotta gnocchi, caprese salad, bruschetta, and zucchini and tomato salad. We've even shared some with our neighbors and anyone who stops by the house.
I've been busy in the kitchen, using the tomatoes in a variety of dishes. We've made over 16 jars of tomato chutney, which has been a perfect accompaniment to our saltbush and wattleseed arancini, as well as my own version of passata. Although Nona may not be pleased that I didn't remove the seeds, I love every aspect of tomatoes.
Why are Tomatoes sometimes called Love Apples?
The term "love apples" was once used as a common name for tomatoes in the past. The origin of this term is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in France way back around the 16th century. At that time, the French referred to the tomato as "pomme d'amour," which translates to "apple of love."
For those interested in trying out some of these recipes, visit the links to Fried Green Tomatoes and Tomato & Bush Oregano Chutney.
As I work with the last of this season's tomatoes, I'm already looking forward to next year's harvest. It's been a pleasure working with these wonderful fruits and I can't wait to see what new recipes we'll come up with. We love our tomatoes!
