Spoiler alert: Yes!
I selected my first-evertomato plantfrom the Foothills Farmers Market in Shelby,North Carolina.
As I made my way home, I couldnt help but notice how wonderful the leaves smelled.
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Surely, there was something I could do with this plant beyond enjoying the plump red fruit, right?
Are Tomato Leaves Safe to Eat?
When I cook, I like to make dishes that are filled with surprising flavors.
I think that’s where tomato leaves come into play.
People know the flavor, but since its not typically used, it piques curiosity.
Lets say youre making a Sunday gravy, cooking tomato sauce low and slow.
Turn off the heat and fold in a few chopped tomato leaves.
It fortifies and intensifies that tomato flavor.
Other great uses for tomato leaves include salsa verde, Indian chutney, and mojo sauce.
The tomato leaves will add a brightness and a little spice, says Dissen.
How to Harvest Tomato Leaves
When harvesting tomato leaves, look for crisp green ones.
Cut a leaf or two at a time, and use them as needed in a recipe.
And yes, that includes the flowers.
Much likesquash blossoms, these tiny flowers are the essence of the plant.
I love to make a tomato salad and use some of the flowers to garnish the top.
Theyre herbal; theyre floral, and they look beautiful too.
After all, you’re always eating with your eyes first.
