This post is going to be short and sweet.  Or rather short and salty!  This should probably be called “Summer Salt”, but I came up with this tasty, rather simple combination of flavors, specifically for tomatoes.  But, it’s so much more.Tomatoes need salt.  Everything does, but it makes a world of difference for tomatoes.  Even peak season, delicious summer tomatoes need salt. This salt offers a hint of complimentary flavors; it’s just perfect for those fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes.  I started making this a number of years ago, to sprinkle on my tomato sandwiches.  Most of the ingredients you’ll have on your shelf.  If you don’t, you should.  If you don’t have sumac, which is prevalent in Middle Eastern cuisine, you should get some.  It adds both color and a nice little lemon-y kick to dishes.  If you have citric acid (sour salt), then substitute a large pinch, but NOT 3/4 teaspoon.  Citric acid is potent stuff.To make it, you just need a resealable bag, and preferably a bottle to store it in.  Just put everything into a resealable plastic bag, seal it and gently shake and move the salt around until everything is evenly mixed.  Pour into a container with a tight-fitting lid and have at it!!  I find the flavors improve as the mixture sits.  Even dry ingredients have oil, and the salt pulls those out into itself, thus, more flavor!

Tomato Salt

  • Servings: Makes about 3/4 cup
  • Difficulty: Too Easy
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Don’t limit yourself to tomatoes.  Use on sweet corn, zucchini, green beans, potatoes, or any vegetable.  Tomato salt will make as plain vegetable, pop!

  • 3/4 cup kosher salt (I ALWAYS use Diamond Brand®)
  • 2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (on the coarse side)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon sumac (optional, but really delicious)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion granules
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground celery seed
  • 1/4 teaspoons garlic granules

Combine all the ingredients in a resealable plastic bag.  Seal and gently shake and move around until the mixture is combined.  Pour into a container with a tight fitting lid (I use an old spice bottle…yes, I save them!).  Enjoy on tomatoes, sweet corn, grilled summer squash, potatoes…really any vegetable.

NOTE:  If you don’t have sumac (and you should get some), you may use 1/8 teaspoon lemon juice crystals instead.

Tomato Salt Recipe©Marcia Lahens 2020.  All rights reserved.