THE SANTA ROSA ORIGINAL CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET

PROUDLY SERVING SANTA ROSA, GUERNEVILLE & CLOVERDALE SINCE 1967

Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom Tomato Season is HERE!

Yes, it’s finally here — heirloom tomato season has arrived, and our markets are officially swimming in tomatoes.

This is one of the most exciting times of summer at the farmers market. Vendor stands are overflowing with beautiful heirloom varieties in every color imaginable: deep reds, bright yellows, striped greens, oranges, purples, and even nearly black tomatoes.

Unlike most grocery store tomatoes, heirlooms are grown for flavor, not shelf life. That means richer sweetness, better acidity, juicier texture, and the true taste of summer.

Most of our farmers harvest tomatoes within 24 hours of market day, meaning you’re getting tomatoes at peak ripeness and peak flavor.

Come early for the best selection — the most popular varieties sell fast!

Tomato Tip:

Never refrigerate ripe tomatoes.

It may seem like the best way to keep them fresh, but refrigeration actually works against you. Cold temperatures break down the tomato’s cell structure, causing the flesh to become mealy, grainy, and less juicy. Even more importantly, the cold suppresses the natural compounds that create that sweet, rich tomato flavor.

That means a beautiful heirloom tomato can lose much of what makes it special after just a day or two in the fridge.

Instead, store ripe tomatoes stem-side down on your countertop, away from direct sunlight, and enjoy them within 2–4 days for peak flavor.

Only refrigerate tomatoes if they become overripe and very soft and you need an extra day or two before using them.

Your best tomatoes should taste like summer — not the inside of a refrigerator.

heirloom tomatoes
yellow tomatoes

Don’t overlook the orange ones. These golden beauties are prized for their sweet, low-acid flavor and buttery texture. They’re especially popular with people who think they “don’t like tomatoes” — until they try one fresh from the market.

Heirloom Tomato Peach Salad with Chili Lime Salt

Sweet peaches and juicy heirloom tomatoes may sound unexpected, but together they create the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, savory, and spicy. One bite tastes like pure Sonoma summer.

Heirloom Tomato Peach Salad with Chili Lime Salt

Ingredients

  • 2 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced into wedges
  • 2 ripe peaches, sliced into wedges
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
  • ⅓ cup crumbled feta or burrata
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional: drizzle of hot honey or balsamic glaze

Chili Lime Salt

  • 1 tsp flaky salt
  • ½ tsp chili powder (or Tajín for extra zing)
  • ½ tsp fresh lime zest

Directions

  1. Arrange tomato and peach wedges on a platter, alternating slices.
  2. Scatter basil and feta (or torn burrata) over the top.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Mix chili lime salt ingredients together and sprinkle over salad.
  5. Finish with hot honey or balsamic if desired. Serve immediately.