Summertime isn’t just for flights to travel – food flights are also taking off. TikTok agrees, and heirloom tomato flights are all I’ve seen on social media for the past week. If my TikTok feed is any indication, this tomato trend is the must-try snack of the season.
What is a food flight?
The concept of a “flight” isn’t new. Breweries and wineries offer these little samplers for customers to compare flavors side-by-side and appreciate the differences between each pour. A flight is simply a curated tasting experience that allows you to try small portions of different flavor combinations of one type of dish. It’s a fun, interactive way to explore a food category and discover new favorites.
In the culinary scene, flights have expanded far beyond drinks. Restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries have all experimented with these mini tasting menus, serving everything from matcha to tacos to butter.
This isn’t the first time flights have been trending either. Egg flights went viral last summer, but this year, heirloom tomato flights are having their turn.
Why heirloom tomatoes?
Tomatoes have been having a moment. “tomato girl summer” filled social media feeds with sun-drenched images of rustic reds, breezy linen, and tomato galettes to celebrate effortless summer living. This summer, the trend continues with the tomatini, a savory, tomato-forward cocktail that’s been crowned the drink of the season. Clearly, tomatoes have become a star of the summer.
When it comes to food flights, the secret to great flight is a sturdy base, and thick, meaty slices of heirloom tomato are perfect carriers for toppings like cured meat, vegetables, and cheese. Heirlooms also bring a vibrant array of colors, shapes, and flavors to the table, transforming the platter into a feast for the eyes and the palate.
How to build your own heirloom tomato flight.
Creating a tomato flight only takes a few steps. Start by washing your assortment of heirloom tomatoes.Then, cut into thick rounds (around 4-6 pieces per tomato), sprinkle some flaky salt on each slice, and arrange on a platter.
Here’s where your creativity comes in. Add any toppings that suit your tastes, whether that be cheese and cured meats or vegetables and fresh herbs, but try not to overload each slice to prevent the tomato from tearing as you eat. To help inspire your palate, here are some reliable flavor combinations I love:
- Mozzarella, basil, balsamic, and flaky salt
- Burrata, peaches, prosciutto, and hot honey drizzle
- Bacon, lettuce, and spicy mayo
- Crumbled feta, cucumber, kalamata olives, and fresh dill
- Goat cheese, fresh tarragon, chives, and lemon zest
With endless combinations of toppings and flavors, this delicious, eye-catching snack is a fun way to celebrate the best of the season. So this summer, skip the airport lines and take your taste buds on a flight of their own.