There’s no better time than summertime in New Jersey, and there’s no better place than Jersey to munch down on a sandwich under the sunshine.

From a fat sandwich to a Taylor ham/pork roll egg and cheese to an Italian hot dog, we have all varieties of unique, classic sandwiches right at our disposal.

But, let’s not stop there. How about a fresh Jersey tomato — cool, crisp and juicy — on a slice of white bread, with a dollop of mayonnaise? It’s a classic Jersey summer snack, and trust us, it’s as delicious as it sounds.

A Jersey tomato should be plump and juicy, preferably freshly picked right from the vine. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

Right now, the Jersey tomato is in prime time, with the season lasting from July to August.

In fact, New Jersey has been the home to several tomato varieties over the years, particularly thanks to New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) at Rutgers University.

The NJAES, established in 1880, conducted research into tomato practices, including improvements in fertilization and controlling diseases and insects.

During the 20th century, tomato breeding crossed many varieties, with the NJAES helping farmers grow healthier crops.

Both the “Rutgers” and “Ramapo” tomatoes were hugely popular. At one point in the mid-20th century, the Rutgers tomato was said to make up more than 60% of all commercial tomato sales.

A Jersey tomato should be plump and juicy, preferably freshly picked right from the vine. Or, at least, from your local farm stand or farmer’s market. It’s sun-kissed and ripe, with a fragrance that could match any perfume.

For such a simple dish, the Jersey tomato sandwich brings a boatload of flavor. Photo courtesy of Restless Chipotle

How To Make This Classic Sandwich

Cook time: 5 minutes

1 Jersey beefsteak or heirloom tomato

1 jar of mayonnaise

2 slices of white bread

Optional: salt and pepper

1. Collect your ingredients. Fresh, soft, white bread. A Jersey tomato, of course. And a jar of mayonnaise. A knife for the mayo and a knife for the tomato. (Let’s keep things sanitary while we build this beauty.)

2. Take a picture of your ingredients. Give us that classic Americana look, and take a picture before the sandwich is even put together. It will be a great before and after photo. You will go viral, we promise.

3. Spread some mayonnaise on each slice of bread, at your own preference. There are no real rules to this, so don’t let these steps deceive you. You are the master of your own domain … er, Jersey tomato sandwich.

4. Slice the tomato into thick slices, around a quarter-inch. This is your bread and butter right here. Except, in tomato form.

5. If you want, sprinkle some salt and freshly ground black pepper on that bad boy for some extra oomph.

6. Lay the tomato slices down, put the other piece of bread on top and voila — your own slice of Jersey right on your plate. A Jersey tomato sandwich.

7. Take that picture now before it’s too late and it’s gone. It is delicious after all.

Of course, there is no correct way to do something when it comes to working in the kitchen. The diehards may disagree, but try the sandwich with some fresh basil and mozzarella, or butter the outsides of the bread and grill it, like a grilled cheese. It might be worth your while.

Photo courtesy of Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune/TNS

Well, there you have it, another Jersey dish served up the only way we know how — classic. And for such a simple dish, it brings a boatload of flavor. Soak up the sun, and bite down into a Jersey tomato sandwich.

Connor Iapoce is a freelance features writer for Jersey’s Best. He frequently writes about travel, entertainment and family, in addition to human-interest subjects.

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