All tomato varieties flourish throughout Summer and Autumn. For more flavourful tomatoes, try to get them from your local greengrocer. Truss tomatoes will last a bit longer in the fridge than other types.

If you are keen to grow your own, remember that tomatoes love a lot of everything – food, sun and water and will grow for a couple of weeks before bearing wonderful ruby gems. The feeling of having a ripe fresh tomato fall into your hands from the tree that bore it is just miraculous. Making them into something delightful like this Caprese Salad, paired with a chilled white wine, is a great way to celebrate balmy summer evenings.

Caprese Salad

Ingredients
4 vine-ripened roma tomatoes
4 bocconcini
½ cup fresh basil leaves, washed and trimmed
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
salt and fround pepper to taste

Method
Slice tomatoes and bocconcini to similar thickness.

On a plate place one slice of tomato, overlap with a slice of bocconini and then a basil leaf. Repeat layering with the remaining ingredients.

In a small jug quickly mix together the oil and vinegar with a fork and drizzle over salad. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper.

Enjoy!