Louisiana’s Creole Tomatoes: A Summer Staple
In a state known for soulful food, Creole tomatoes hold their own.
What Are Creole Tomatoes?
When sunny days are on the docket, Creole tomatoes are in order. This refreshing fruit, grown in the rich soil of south Louisiana, has a tender texture, bold flavor and crimson hue. Unlike grocery store varieties, like beefsteak or roma, Creole tomatoes sport an imperfect, abstract shape.
If you're planning a summer trip to Louisiana, tasting a fresh Creole tomato should be high on your culinary bucket list, since the fruit is in peak season from May to October. A great place to find them? The French Market Creole Tomato Festival, a celebration that has drawn epicureans to New Orleans each summer since the 1980s.
What Makes Creole Tomatoes Special?
Creole tomatoes aren’t defined by a specific seed. Instead, Louisiana’s subtropical climate and alluvial delta soil lend Creole tomatoes a decadence that is sweet, tangy and earthy, with a natural succulence that shines in everything from po’boys to caprese salads.
The Best Way to Eat a Creole Tomato: A Classic Sandwich
Ask any local, and they’ll tell you: The best way to enjoy a ripe Creole tomato is tucked between slices of plush, mayo-slathered white bread. It’s an unfussy delicacy shared poolside, at gatherings or on a backporch with a glass of sweet tea.
Want to feel like a local? Some Louisianans “dress” their sandwiches, which means loading up on classic fixings like lettuce, pickles and mayonnaise. From po’boys to deli staples, a dressed sandwich offers a little lagniappe (that extra-special something).
Creole Tomato Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of white bread (such as Evangeline Maid or Bunny bread)
- 1-2 thick slices of ripe Creole tomato
- 1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise (such as Blue Plate)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: lettuce, pickles and mayonnaise
Instructions:
- Toast the bread lightly, if desired, and spread mayonnaise on each slice.
- Layer on Creole tomato slices.
- Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Optional: Dress your sandwich.
Ready to explore more of Louisiana’s flavorful traditions? Dive deeper into the state’s culinary treasures.
