Have you seen the prices of tomatoes in the store lately? Wow! Now that is AFTER they have been back on the market following a mass recall. There is something wrong when produce, fresh, simple, whole produce gets recalled. It’s not like it’s a ‘product’ that is ‘prepared’; it’s a whole food! One we can grow on our porch!
Tomatoes are among the easiest plant to grow and to do so abundantly. A tomato plant can grow in a container on a deck or in a huge garden plot. They will grow in raised beds and some can grow on a trellis or hanging basket off the wall. There is not really any excuse for paying for a pricey tomato during the summer, even if you live in a condo that has only one window, you can save money by growing a plant.
Since the price is high if you have to buy, I thought I’d share some tips to stretching the tomato use and saving you some money on them.
1. When slicing a tomato, use a very sharp serrated knife to keep from squeezing out the flavor and juice. Also, slice them very thin. You can always put more than one slice on of a tomato on a sandwich if you want more.
2. When you have sliced a tomato and all that is left is the top with the stem, flip it over (inside down, skin side up ) on your counter and trim around that stem and dice up the top of the tomato. It can be kept to add to Gazpacho, an omelet, a salad or salsa rather than tossed in the trash with the center stem. You’d be surprised at how far you can stretch one tomato top. You can also do this if you didn’t slice them thin enough and you have left-over thick slices that won’t store well.
The humble tomato is easy to grow, easy to use and easy to stretch as a fresh food. No more worries about tomato recalls and no more expensive tasteless tomatoes from the store!
The Millers live on 15 acres in North Carolina. They own and operate “Millers Grain House”
Popular Questions
How can checking tomato recalls help with saving money?
Checking recall notices before buying or eating tomatoes can help you avoid paying for food that must be discarded. Use the FDA, USDA, or your local health department website to compare the product name, brand, lot code, package size, and dates with the notice. If your tomatoes match, follow the recall instructions and contact the store or manufacturer about a refund or replacement.
What should I do with tomatoes affected by a recall while trying to save money?
Do not eat, serve, donate, or sell tomatoes identified in a recall, even if they look and smell normal. Seal them in a bag, follow the disposal directions, and clean hands, counters, cutting boards, and refrigerator surfaces that may have contacted them. Keep the receipt, package, lot code, and recall notice so you can request a refund instead of absorbing the loss.
How can I save money on tomatoes without increasing recall risks?
Buy only the amount you can use before it spoils, and choose intact products from stores that provide clear brand and lot information. Compare unit prices, but do not choose a cheaper product if its packaging is damaged or its recall status cannot be verified. Wash tomatoes under running water before cutting, while remembering that washing does not make a recalled product safe.
Can a tomato recall refund help reduce grocery costs?
Many retailers and manufacturers offer refunds or replacements for products covered by a recall, even when the food has been discarded. Check the official recall notice for the approved return process and contact the retailer with proof of purchase when available. If you used tomatoes in a prepared dish, ask the retailer or manufacturer whether the affected product qualifies for reimbursement and avoid buying a replacement until you confirm the recall details.
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