Mike the Tomato Connoisseur

TOMATOES , Mike's Favorite food . They are like a Fine Wine. You smell them and taste the full flavor just like a wine. Christine has brought me to one of the many Farmers Markets in Sacramento. It was a wonderland, just like Disney World to a Foodie.

The selection of Certified Organic produce was vast. The beets and beans were amazing. They offered Organic cheeses, which we purchased and took to Christine's childhood friends, Ed and Suzzan Arnold, where we stayed.

Then I came to the Heirloom Tomatoes, Wow, I was in love. They were certified Organic, and there were varieties I have not seen. Purple Russian, Pineapple, Copia, Cherokee Purple, Brandywine, then Black Zebra, Green Zebra and a Red Zebra I had never seen before. They were only $3.25 lb. Usually $4.95 in KC. I gathered them fighting the crowd to take home for our treats. No Ice Cream tonight, just these treasures.

I wish I could make a Gazpacho right here like the one Jasper made.

I would love to sit and share Tomatoes with friends like you would a fine wine. Covered with fresh basil and some freshly made mozzarella cheese . Ed and Suzzan had some Great Sea Salt to top with that drew out all of the tremendous flavor.

Fact: If you put your tomatoes on the counter stem side down they will last two weeks longer. Never put tomatoes in the refrigerator till you have sliced them, it will change the sugar balance.

But who would have any to left to put in fridge :) :)

Mike