Many come with wonderful handed down stories, having truly passed the test of time this is often reflected in their names (Lillian’s Yellow Heirloom, Mortgage Lifter, Aunt Ruby’s German Green – all of which sound a whole lot more enticing than “Big Boy,” at least to me). They are one of the easier crops for those who enjoy saving and sharing seeds. Tomatoes have other admirable qualities for those who wish to explore beyond the culinary aspect. Along with locally grown sweet corn, tomatoes were often the target for those Sunday drives with parents, or grandparents, aimed at a nearby farm stand, carefully selected, and used as the centerpiece of a backyard picnic. I believe that another important aspect is nostalgia. Perhaps it is just that – the ethereal nature of a “real” tomato creates deep longing during those months of unavailability. I’ve thought a good bit about the attraction of this fleeting, perishable object – one that for many is best enjoyed seasonally, just like asparagus, strawberries and sugar snap peas. Join CFSA’s Perennial Givers Guild and your monthly donation of any amount will help us grow local & organic from seed to plate. With literally thousands of varieties available to those who start their own seedlings, it is possible to grow completely different menus of tomatoes each summer for one’s entire life and never experience a repetition.ĬFSA is on a mission to bring local, organic food to your table from a farmer you can trust. For those who dig in the dirt to grow their own bounties, tomatoes are typically the centerpiece of the garden. Then there are the peaches, blue- and blackberries, sweet corn, and green and yellow snap beans competing for our attention.Īnd yet – as awesome and appetite stimulating and recipe searching as all of the above represents, for many, it is the large, often misshapen, rather humble looking tomato that draws us, sends us hunting stall to stall…then, later on, slicing and serving and making them the centerpiece of our warm weather meals. Walks through a mid-summer farmers market brings us face to face with piles of peppers, stacks of summer squash, glossy, colorful eggplant, and succulent melons of all sorts. Summer eating conjures up so many feelings, thoughts, and cravings. Craig LeHoullier, the “NC Tomatoman” (the fellow who named Cherokee Purple in 1990) and speaker at the 2016 Sustainable Agriculture Conference, Nov.
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