APRIL 8, 2006
Tomatoes
are a favorite vegetable of many of us, especially now that we know that they are good for us. Lycopene is the technical name for the ingredient, but I always loved them for the flavor, and I did not really care much or know much about anti-oxidants. However, in recent years two things have happened that contradict each other; the flavor is gone but the health value of tomatoes is promoted. Oh, if we could only get really good tasting tomatoes on a regular basis!
I love tomatoes so I visited Farmer John Teixeira in Firebaugh California. There is not much to the town there; the agriculture is the dominant feature of the entire area. What makes John unique is that he propagates 250 varieties of heirloom organic tomatoes in his greenhouse. He works with California's Mr. Tomato himself, Gary Ibsen who runs the famous Carmel TomatoFest every September. Thousands of people come to taste tomatoes, buy tomatoes, get tomato recipes, and wallow in everything tomato. I have never been but plan to go because I want to find all I can about the greatest vegetable in the world - the heirloom tomato.
Modern agriculture is known as mono-cropping big business and those who are preserving the seeds of heirloom varieties are reminding us of what food really should taste like. In John' greenhouse, which has a state of the art computer controlled spray system; the little seedlings have their own little section of the tray. Each grows to about 6 inches before it is transplanted out doors and it is grow without chemicals or pesticides.
John will grow orange, yellow, striped and red tomatoes. Some will grow to be 5 inches across while others will be bite sized tiny morsels. Every tomato plant will produce wonderful tomatoes because they are grown with loving care in optimum situations. Next time you are shopping ask for heirloom tomatoes. Next time at the farmer's market look for organic heirlooms and invite me over for dinner. Nothing but tomatoes would be fine.
In other words, seek out those organically grown vegetables and you are in for a treat.
--Peter