At the start of summer in Louisiana, tomatoes don’t need much help. And if you can find Creole tomatoes, even better. Many enjoy them sliced and topped with a little sprinkle of salt, but for times when that just won’t do, we hope you’ll turn to these delicious recipes that highlight this juicy hallmark of summertime.
CREOLE TOMATO FESTIVAL
June 6–7
Each June, the French Market honors one of south Louisiana’s most treasured crops at the Creole Tomato Festival. Visitors to this free festival can try flavorful tomato dishes from local vendors, stroll and sip their way through the historic French Market District, listen to live music, and watch live cooking demonstrations and tomato-eating contests. frenchmarket.org
WHAT ARE CREOLE TOMATOES?
Grown in the rich alluvial soil of south Louisiana and imparting a unique flavor and texture, Creole tomatoes are a prized summertime staple. While they are typically large, round beefsteak varieties, Creole tomato’s status is more about where it’s from than tomato genetics.
