Hot Tomatoes

Organic heirloom tomatoes at the New Seasons market.

(SOOC, cropped and collaged in Pic Stitch app.)

Having just learned that olives are a fruit, I wonder if it's common knowledge that the tomato, that exotic New World member of the nightshade family, is also a fruit.

Tomatoes were originally cultivated in Mexico and elsewhere, and were first brought to Europe by a Spanish conquistador. Though originally considered poisonous, they have proved to be wonderfully delicious when enjoyed fresh from the garden.

Unfortunately those of us who depend on supermarkets are often greeted by specimens that are bright red, perfectly round, and unblemished, but when sliced open are pale, mealy, and tasteless.

Heirloom tomatoes are grown from seeds developed before agribusiness and GMO took over our food supply. Their appearance is lumpy, and their color is strange, but they reward a bite with juicy flavorful sweetness.

FRUIT: DDW August 23 challenge