Ten Good Uses for Homegrown Tomatoes: Use Them Before They Go Bad

The end of summer is rapidly approaching, and along with it comes the end of our summer vegetable gardens. In Ohio, this year has brought an abundance of my favorite: the tomato. But what do you do when everybody and their brother has bowls and bowls full of tomatoes? Even I, quite the lycopene lover, mind you, cannot devour all these tomatoes fast enough. If you find yourself in a similar predicament, then check out this list. I have thought up 10 great things to do with your leftover tomatoes.

1. Throw a tomato in the fridge and allow it to chill. Then slice it up and lightly salt. Simple, quick, convenient, and delightfully refreshing!

2. Top off a hamburger with a juicy tomato slice. Similarly, add some color to tuna sandwiches or grilled cheese. I have even heard of some people who make a plain tomato sandwich. Toast the bread, add a little mayonnaise or mustard, plop on the tomato, and voila!

3. Speaking of sandwiches... We can't forget the famous bacon, lettuce, and tomato. After all, that is what the T stands for! Try a modern take on this classic-instead of toast, use a soft corn or flour tortilla and make a BLT wrap.

4. If some of your tomatoes still haven't ripened, then this idea is just for you. The southern favorite, fried green tomatoes, is a must! Some farm markets or grocery stores have a pre-packaged "fried green tomato mix" which you can purchase, or you can dip your tomatoes in bread crumbs, cornmeal, or crushed crackers. Fry in oil or bacon grease. Experiment and make your own creation, or check the Internet for a step-by-step recipe.

5. Have tomatoes for breakfast! Add tomato chunks (along with green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and more) to scrambled eggs. Finish with a side of toast or sausage!

6. Pay tribute to our friends south of the border, and make homemade salsa or pico de gallo. Mix tomato chunks with minced onions, green peppers, cilantro, and lime juice. Add jalapenos for an extra kick. Dip with chips, pita bread, or celery stalks and you'll have a healthy snack.

7. Make stuffed tomatoes for dinner, a dish quite like stuffed peppers. Scoop out the tomato's innards then stuff with rice and ground beef.

8. Put a handful of tomatoes in your salad. Still hungry? Turn a side salad into an entrée-make a taco salad by adding ground beef, tomatoes, crushed tortillas, and cheese to lettuce.

9. Share your good fortune with others by giving some of your crop away. Deliver to neighbors, friends, and family. Put a box of tomatoes in your company's break room and your co-workers will be thrilled. You can even offer some to a local homeless shelter or food bank.

10. If all else fails, take up juggling. Tomatoes are the right size, shape, and they're easy to wipe up if your coordination isn't up to par.