When I think of summer, the first thing that comes to mind is the smell of warm soil and the sweet, earthy scent of tomato vines in my garden from my first house. Ever since I was a kid, picking fresh fruits and vegetables has been a ritual—one that still fills me with the same quiet joy. I’d wander barefoot through my grandmothers mint garden, the rows of gorgeous sweet green mint wafting with every step. It was my first introduction to the benefits of having and loving a garden.
When we (my husband and I) bought our first house, I prided myself on the vegetables and tomatoes I grew during the summer. I had sunburns tomatoes that were a bright yellow orange color. I loved reaching into the thick leaves to find those deep yellow orange gems hiding from the sun. Sometimes I’d pick one still warm from the afternoon heat, wipe it with my fingers, and just as i would bite in it would burst with sweet and sour flavor. Nothing tastes like summer quite like a sun-ripened tomato straight from the vine.
There’s something oddly thrilling about picking tomatoes. It feels a bit like a treasure hunt—you never know what size or color you’ll find nestled under those heavy branches. I always go for the ones that are just slightly soft to the touch, because that’s when they’re at their juiciest. Some are big and misshapen, others are small and bursting with color, but they all share that deep, complex flavor that no store-bought tomato can ever come close to. The skin snaps slightly as you bite in, giving way to a juicy, sweet-tart interior that tastes alive.
We’d always bring our haul inside and lay them out on the counter like trophies. Then came the fun part—making tomato salads. Just slicing them open and sprinkling a bit of sea salt brought out layers of flavor: tangy, sweet, savory, even a little floral. We’d add fresh basil from the garden, maybe some mozzarella or feta, and a drizzle of olive oil. Every bite was bright, cooling, and satisfying in the way only fresh, real food can be. It was a dish we never got tired of, because the flavor changed subtly with each variety and each picking.
Beyond the taste, I’ve come to appreciate the health benefits that tomatoes offer. They’re full of vitamins like C and K, and they’re one of the best sources of lycopene—a powerful antioxidant that helps with heart health and may even reduce the risk of certain cancers. Tomatoes are also hydrating and low in calories, making them perfect for those hot, lazy days when you want something light but nourishing. It’s kind of amazing to think that something so delicious is also so good for you.
Eating fresh tomatoes in the summer isn’t just about nutrition, though—it’s about connection. Connection to the season, to the garden, to the joy of growing something yourself and then sharing it with the people you love. That simple act of picking, slicing, and savoring turns a tomato into something almost magical. It’s a reminder to slow down, taste what the earth has to offer, and enjoy the fleeting sweetness of summer while it lasts.
