We think you're near Los Angeles

Currently in Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles Current temperature: 75°F: Current condition: Clear See Extended Forecast

Tomato Roses: Magic Unveiled

Lisa Buzzeo's photo
Tempe Cooking Examiner

Photographs taken by Lisa, Edited by Dane Vicker
 

How are tomato peels manipulated to look like roses?

 

Tomato roses do not involve magic.  

They do involve patience, concentration, practice,

a sharp knife, and a few tomatoes. 

The tomato should be large, unbruised, and firm.

Soft tomatoes take a great deal of effort and ability.   


Step 1: Wash them Tomatas
 
 


Step 1:  Wash and Gather.  

First thing when working with food from the earth is to wash them.  Removing possible harmful bacteria is always first in dealing with food.

 

Then, begin the fun! To do this you will need a sharp PARING knife, a cutting board, and toothpicks for securing the peel.

 
 

Step 2: Begin peeling at root
 
 

Step 2: Begin peeling.

Think of spiral peeling an apple.

Remember watching Mom or Dad

doing this magical trick? 

Tomato roses use the same concept!

 

Do not take it personally if the first few tries the coil of skin rips or disconnects. 

Try, try again. 

 

 The trick is staying as to the skin as possible,

keeping the peel thin and delicate, like a Rose Petal!

 

Step 3: Continue 

 

Be patient and take it slow. 

Rock the tip of the knife in and out to form a wave along the edge of the peel. 

This will shape it's petals to resemble a rose! 

 

Stand or hold the knife and the tomato so it is comfortable, the trick is to remain calm, concentrate, and do not rush the art!  

Once peeled, remove the bottom of the tomato to stabilize.


Step 4: Form the flower bud.


Step 4: Form the flower bud, the base.

 

Once peeled down to the opposite end of the root end,


 DO NOT REMOVE THE PEEL!  

 

Leave a half dollar sized circle of skin

around the bottom of the tomato. 

Cut a line along the radius

(half of the length from one end of the half dollar area to the other) and continue without removing.

 

Just as making a funnel or triangle from a round piece of paper.

 The peel should pinch into a shape of a rose bud to begin the magic!

 


Step 5: Twirling round and round!


Step 5: Getting dizzy yet?


Keep coiling the tomato peel around and around, wrap so the coil is tight enough so the rose form shapes. 

Too tightly, and the peel may rip from the base.  Be gentle, if peel begins to tear or break, pin with a toothpick and continue.  Practice really makes a huge difference! 

Challenge that skill!


Step 6: Secure with "hook" of peel.


Step 6: Secure


Remember the initial spiral from the tomato root?  

This acts as a hook which secures the coil without a problem.  Usually...

Depending on the firmness of the tomato this hook will either secure or tear.  If it tears, just secure in place with a toothpick.

Step 7: Cut rose off tomato.

 

After securing the peel, the rose is in full bloom!  If not being used right away, the tomato rose can be stored wrapped or in a container inside the cooler as it is.  When ready to use, pick that knife back up and with one straight cut, remove from the tomato.  
                                             
Step 7: Remove tomato rose from it's tomato base.
 
Please, feel free to email Lisa at twistdbnny@gmail.com with any culinary questions!
Advertisement

, Tempe Cooking Examiner

Lisa Buzzeo is a passionate and unique artist. Combining her love for the arts and food, became talented Garde Manger Chef. An eye for presentation and taste for perfection, always has a new idea to share.

Don't miss...