At the Market is a weekly look at produce available at local farmers markets.

Central Oregon gardeners are likely still waiting for their tomato plants to bear ripe fruit, but that doesn’t mean they have to wait to enjoy garden-fresh tomatoes.

Many farms based west of the Cascades are offering tomato varieties at local farmer’s markets. From heirloom tomatoes — perfect for eating sliced with a touch of salt and fresh basil — to Roma tomatoes — great for cooking into sauces — there are plenty of options available for those craving tomatoes.

One variety now available is the Sun Gold cherry tomato. This golden orange tomato is incredibly sweet and fruity, so much so that those who shy away from tomatoes may even want to give it a go. According to Johnny’s Selected Seeds, this variety has a tendency to split, which makes them hard to ship. This means they are unlikely to be found in grocery stores and more likely to be picked up at markets.

This variety is perfectly snackable as-is. Simply slice and add to any salad or just pop one in your mouth. Cooks may also want to try adding the tomatoes to a pasta dish. Try sauteing in a generous amount of olive oil and a bit of garlic. Cook the tomatoes just long enough to soften the flesh, then toss with cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan.