Read by Michael Flamel

Have you ever sunk your teeth into a homegrown tomato that was so good you contemplated ditching apples altogether? If not, you’re missing out! Forget those bland, store-bought tomatoes – the ones from your own garden are a juicy, flavorful delight. Whether you fancy popping cherry tomatoes like candy or savoring a hearty beefsteak, there’s nothing quite like the taste of homegrown tomatoes.

Now, let’s address the age-old debate: are tomatoes fruits or vegetables? Cue the Gershwin song! Botanically, they’re berries (yes, berries!), but in the kitchen, they often masquerade as veggies. And, believe it or not, the U.S. Supreme Court stepped in back in 1893 to settle the matter. In the case of Nix v. Hedden, they declared tomatoes a vegetable because, let’s face it, they’re more likely to grace your dinner plate than your dessert bowl.

Did you know that tomatoes were once considered poisonous in Europe? Wealthy Europeans even feared them for their supposed lethality, and they mistakenly blamed the tomatoes instead of the lead-leaching pewter plates. Thankfully, perceptions shifted, and tomatoes went on to star in the creation of the beloved pizza in Italy.

Fast-forward to today, and tomatoes are a staple crop, celebrated in events like the Tomato Festival in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Did you know that Reynoldsburg claims to be the birthplace of the commercial tomato? Their Tomato Festival, complete with a Tomato Festival Queen, is a must-visit for tomato enthusiasts.

Speaking of which, have you ever attended the Tomato Festival in Reynoldsburg? We’d love to hear about your unique tomato celebrations! And for those itching to cultivate their tomato prowess, check out our Everything Tomato Guide at Food Gardening Network. Because when it comes to tomatoes, there’s always more to discover and savor!

Happy tomato gardening. ❖