Dale and I met a new friend named Carlyn on Saturday who is very interested in our farm. Dale told me later that she thought she didn’t like tomatoes until one fateful day when she ate a caprise salad at Pizzeria 712 and tasted one of ours. She said she teared up – over a tomato! I can totally relate.
This world is so full of counterfeits that when you experience the real thing it touches you on a soul-deep level. That first tomato of summer always gets me. I have to close my eyes and focus all my attention and gratitude on the explosion of juice, flavor, and sunshine in my mouth.
I remember the first tomato of last summer. It was a golden colored cherry. Dale presented it to me with a farmer tanned face, dirty hands and a satisfied smile. He knows how much I enjoy real food and he loves growing it for me. He knew that this was real food and I had been starving for real food.
That’s why I can relate to Carlyn. Just last week I told Dale that I felt like I was starving for something real. Something that hasn’t been irradiated, shipped a 1000 miles or sprayed with toxins. I want food that radiates sunshine and vitality so that when I bite into it I feel nourished. Soul-deep nourished. Not only do I want it for myself but I want to make more women cry over tomatoes.
meredith said,
February 5, 2010 @ 4:37 am
I have to admit, that particular caprese salad is what led me to choose your CSA over others. I’m a sucker for heirloom tomatoes, and yours are delicious!
Jacob's Mom said,
February 5, 2010 @ 11:33 pm
I’ve got to admit that the first time we tasted that salad I almost cried too.
This past summer they did another salad with Clifford Farms arugala, some lightly toasted bread with the tomatoes on top. It was amazing!
The secret, according to the chef, was marinading the tomatoes in a bit of red wine vinegar, good olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. It’s simple to replicate at home. You’ll love it!
Jen Rawlings said,
February 14, 2010 @ 11:02 pm
I love to cry over tomatoes, especially yours.