August 7: Delicious, Plump Tomatoes on Spain's La Tomatina Festival
The humble and versatile tomato originally grew only in Mexico. It is not known exactly when people started eating them, but experts suggest that the first usage of tomatoes may have been as early as 500BC. When the Spanish colonized the area, they took tomato plants with them and spread them throughout the world.
Today, tomatoes are grown all over the world, even in areas with very different climates to that of their origin, Mexico. They are planted and harvested in many countries in mainland Europe, Britain, Asia and the Caribbean, on both an industrial scale and in personal tomato gardens. Thanks to the plump round shape and rich array of colors seen on tomato plants, they have been the subject of beautiful food photography.
The La Tomatina festival in Bunol, Spain is celebrate on the first Wednesday of August and participants from the Valencian town throw tomatoes in an all out tomato fight, purely for fun of course! Dishfolio celebrates La Tomatina with some tomato-inspired recipes from our food bloggers!

Gazpacho - Spanish tomato soup
Discover this world famous Spanish tomato soup with green pepper, cucumber and scallion.
by valery86
Italian Eggs
Eggs simmered in a hearty tomato sauce and then topped with olive oil, Parmesan and parsley. Best served with garlic toast for dipping.
by cookthestory
Tomato Pie with Basil and Gruyere
Tomato Pie with Basil and Gruyere Cheese…a great summer side dish or a main course for lunch.
by southernboydishes
Snap Yourself Awake Blood Mary
Snap Yourself Awake Blood Mary - Get Spicy with Your Blood Mary
by Chili Pepper Madness
Tomato Spinache Pie
A vegetarian quiche made with whole grain spelt flour for the crust.
by Veggiestylewithdaphne
Spicy Vine Tomato Relish
A relish full of flavour and savoury goodness that celebrates the magic of tomatoes on the vine.
by Deeba Rajpal
Creamy Tomato - Basil Soup
Quick and Easy Creamy Tomato - Basil Soup. No fuss, perfect for a weeknight dinner with a side of extra gooey grilled cheese!
by sharedappetite
Stuffed Tomato - One pot Meal
Tomato stuffed with a rice, veggies & cheese filling & then placed on a toasted bread slice & baked/broiled till the tomatoes are cooked
by shwetainthekitchen
Spicy Tomato Rice
Spicy Tomato Rice, an enchanting flavor, a great lunch box rice recipe..
by pepperbowl
Tomato and Wild Blue Shrimp Pasta for Two
A simple classic pasta dish made with plump Wild Blue Shrimp and slightly sweet and savory Tomato Relish.
by jenatpbandp
Chilled Tomato Vodka Soup
This chilled tomato soup is the perfect showcase for fresh, seasonal tomatoes. The vodka doesn't hurt, either.
by FromAway
Grilled Tomato & Basil Flatbread
A light meal or appetizer for the summer and the toppings are as straightforward as they come.
by Joelen
Trenton Tomato Pie
Now you don't have to go to New Jersey for this legendary thin-crust pizza, with fresh tomato sauce on top of the cheese!
by FromAway
Tuscan Tomato Conserve Crostini
Great to make ahead and have on hand when a last-minute appetizer is needed.
by BetterRecipes
Roasted Tomato and Gouda Strudel
Roasted Tomato and Gouda Strudel. Not your ordinary strudel. Perfect for tonight's dinner or lunch
by Spicie Foodie
Garden Tomato & Basil Tart
Too many tomatoes? This Garden Tomato & Basil Tart is just the ticket!
by thepastryaffair
Heirloom Tomato and Ricotta Crostata
A savory crostata with heirloom tomatoes and creamy ricotta cheese.
by Tasty Trials
Tomatoes and courgettes clafoutis
A savory clafoutis with simple and healthy ingredients: tomatoes and courgettes.
by cookingmesoftly
Litchi Tomatoes Salad
Litchi Tomatoes in a baby spinach, arugula and blueberry salad with a minty dressing.
by andazazen