What I look forward to most about late summer in New England are fresh heirloom tomatoes. I frequent the local farmers market looking for the most gargantuan one I can find- slicing it open reveals a structure that resembles the cross-section of a brain. I eat them raw, in thick slabs that resemble steaks. I lament the passing of the season, only to be consoled by the return of pomegranates, juicy oranges, and squash.
It has been about 2 weeks since I have seen any heirloom tomatoes for sale, so I was surprised to find them while I was at the nearest joe-sixpack corporate mega-supermarket. Locally grown, and blemish free, I had to have it. I would have paid any price for it, but $1.49 was all they asked. In the unlikeliest of places, I found something so beautiful, and the anticipation of enjoying it made my otherwise-gloomy day seem pleasant.
Knowing that this will probably be the last heirloom tomato I get to eat for at least another 8 months, let alone probably one of the last tomatoes that isn’t mealy or hard as a rock, I knew that it deserved a portrait. Isn’t she beautiful?
I prepared this tomato by washing it and slicing it raw. I drizzled just a little truffle oil, a little cracked pepper, a sprinkle of butcher salt, and a few red pepper flakes. So simple, and this dish really captures the end of summer for me, I will cherish it until next year.
