O.K., so I know how it's not the world's biggest problem, but can someone please grow some tasty tomatoes?
I wonder if the younger people today think that the fruit called “tomato” is supposed to taste bland … and, by the way, why is it always included in the vege section when it's really a fruit?
Several years ago, back in Brooklyn, I had a neighbor who grew them in his backyard. I never was that friendly with him, and neither were his other neighbors. However, once he had given us a few of his crop we were amazed at the great taste.
Memories of bygone times quickly flashed in our heads. We all tried to cozy up to Kenny, but somehow he never did have another crop. Must have been too much work.
I feel we should grow our own tomatoes and have neighborhood competition. In New York we have local gardens all over, albeit rather small ones.
We could have Astoria tomatoes versus Crown Heights; Bensonhurst versus Morris Park; Stapleton versus Annandale, and so on.
The saddest thing is the decline of the beefsteak. They've changed the definition of "beefsteak."
If it were back in the late 1960's or early 1970's we could taste the mouthwatering flavor just by uttering the descriptive term “beefsteak.” Now, "beefsteak" just means "large tomato."
Many was the time we'd venture out to Suffolk County in Long Island, New York, to buy a half-bushel or a bushel of these red beauties. Some of them were huge. Didn't matter. There were always friends and neighbors to scurry and take a few from you.
My grandfather who was among the most demanding of people I have ever known was reduced to a smiling, happy kid when given some of these beauties.
Of course, his method of pouring loads of salt on cut-up slices would not be considered a good way to have your dinner. But he wouldn't have it any other way.
It's the summer. Hats off to tasty tomatoes—the more local the better. To whoever is growing those tomatoes along the route of the 'N' train in Brooklyn near Fort Hamilton Parkway—take me to your leader, I'd like to taste some.