Kentucky Proud tomatoes are available from July through mid-October, depending upon weather and

your location in Kentucky.  (Photo courtesy of USDA)

Selecting tasty Kentucky Proud tomatoes.

Look for smooth tomatoes that are well ripened and free from scars.  Fully rpie tomatoes have a deep red color and a slight softness.  If selecting tomatoes that are not fully ripe, look for firm texture and colors ranging from pink to light red.

Keeping Kentucky Proud tomatoes fresh.

Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature and use them within three days.  Tomatoes pink or slightly red in color will ripen at room temperature within five days.  Keep tomatoes out of direct sunlight and do not refrigerate them.

A great Kentucky Proud recipe...fresh tomato sauce

You'll need:

5 large ripe Kentucky Proud tomatoes, peeled

1/2 cup fresh Kentucky Proud basil, finely chopped (or 2 1/2 tablespoons dried basil)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 cloves Kentucky Proud garlic (finely minced)

salt and black pepper, to taste.

Finely dice and seed tomatoes.  Stir in the basil, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper.   Heat mixture gently over low to medium heat for 30 minutes. 

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Check out other great Kentucky Proud recipes.