JoAnne's Archive

Ugly Tomatoes
By JoAnne Leone

As a child, helping in my Dad's garden, I looked for the perfect tomato to pick and consume right there in the field. It had to be round, cherry red and no blemishes. My Dad would try to tell me that you couldn't tell a book by its cover, but I thought I knew better. I was sure that this would be the best tasting tomato of the bunch.

Last week, I was chatting with Julie Collins at the Farmers Market. I noticed she had several Heirloom tomatoes, something we don't see available to us in this region very often. Julie said, “Oh, we call those ugly tomatoes.” Well, that they are. They are sometimes a purple spotted deep red, the bottom bloom often times dries like a hideous road map across the skin and they tend to pucker in ways that distort the shape of the fruit to take on the appearance of body parts

My Dad's wisdom rings in my not so childish ears. Try it. The content of this fruit is so superior to any perfectly shaped tomato, and I can't get enough of them! If you haven't ever tried an “ugly tomato”, check out the different heirloom varieties sold at the Market this week.

More importantly, consider the many different varieties of vegetables you see but have never before tried. Earlier this season, one of our vendors had rainbow Swiss chard. This is a delicate green, filled with flavor, so easy to prepare. Those that eat collards and turnip greens would love this different leafy vegetable. For recipe ideas, ask your vendor how to prepare or Google the vegetable.

This past week, my eyes lit up and my mouth watered as I saw the beauty of the Zebra Eggplant at one of our vendor's stands. This eggplant is beautifully shaped and striped in a deep violet and white. It has a white pulp, very few seeds, and is almost sweet in taste. Two of them came home with me to settle into a stew pot of Caponata, an Italian (Sicilian) cooked vegetable salad with tomato, peppers, olives and capers accompanying the eggplant.

And speaking of trying something new - this Saturday, you are going to take a different route to the Farmers Market, as well. Starting Aug. 7 th , the Market will be at its new location, 148 Old Smokey Rd. From 515, turn onto Weaver Rd. (Home Depot) Make the first right onto Old Smokey. The times are the same. Every Wednesday and Saturday from 7AM – 1PM. Rain or Shine, because this is our new covered facility. Watch this column next week for the details on our grand opening. And check out our website at www.UCFarmersMarket.com . Considering being a produce, food product or crafting vendor? Call 706-439-6000 for details.