Average cost, in full season, 9d. per basket.
Sufficient for 5 or 6 persons.
Seasonable in August, September, and October; but may be had, forced, much earlier.
[Illustration: THE TOMATO.]
TOMATOES.—The Tomato is a native of tropical countries, but is now cultivated considerably both in France and England. Its skin is of a brilliant red, and its flavour, which is somewhat sour, has become of immense importance in the culinary art. It is used both fresh and preserved. When eaten fresh, it is served as an entremets; but its principal use is in sauce and gravy; its flavour stimulates the appetite, and is almost universally approved. The Tomato is a wholesome fruit, and digests easily. From July to September, they gather the tomatoes green in France, not breaking them away from the stalk; they are then hung, head downwards, in a dry and not too cold place; and there they ripen.
HOT TOMATO SAUCE, or PUREE OF TOMATOES.
(See No. 529.)
[Illustration: STEWED TOMATOES.]