Fresh Tomatoes Beefsteak (Coeur de Beuf) from France

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

The Couer de Beuf is a large tomato, with a unique heart-like shape, and almost smooth surface. They ripen from the inside out, so even when their skin is still slightly greenish, their insides would be mature. They do take on a bright red all throughout eventually. Their flesh is meaty and firm, with a mouth-watering taste. They have few seeds, and not a lot of juice, giving them a mild, slightly acidic, but sweet flavor.

PREPARATION AND PAIRINGS

The large size of these Tomatoes Beefsteak makes them perfect for sandwiches and salads. You can also grill them, roast them, fry them, or sauté them. They’re also the popular choice to use in making ratatouille, the classic French dish. Couer de Beuf are also wonderful for a classic caprese salad, with mozzarella, fresh basil, olive oil, and sea salt. And because they don’t have a lot of juice, they’re great for sauces, and for adding onto pastas.

THE REAL AND THE NOT

Named for its shape, which resembles a heart, “Couer de Beuf” is French for “Bull’s Heart.” You will also sometimes see it referred to as “Ox Heart” or “Beef Heart.”

There is another kind of tomato that is sometimes referred to as “Coeur de Beuf,” and that has caused confusion. That one looks nothing like a heart, and instead is large but almost squashed in shape, with ridges like a pumpkin. This is not the original or authentic Coeur de Beuf tomato. That one is a Ligurian type, usually referred to as Coeur d’Albenga. The original Coeur de Beuf is smooth, and will definitely resemble a heart.

Storage Instructions

Tomatoes thrive in a cool cellar. The coldness of the refrigerator may cause your tomatoes to curl up too fast.

Ripe tomatoes can remain in room temperature provided they will be consumed within the next 4 days. Never place unripe tomatoes in your fridge.

If tomatoes are beginning to be softer to touch and are possibly overripe, you may store in the vegetable chiller of your fridge to prolong life but it is ideal that you already consume them in the next 24 hours to avoid spoilage.