And now for something sort of different ...

First Tomatoes

This is the first large tomato from my garden. It is from a a volunteer that came up in my plot this spring - I think it is the Russian Black from Tula variety, which I grew last summer. It's supposed to look that way.

The yellow cherry tomatoes are also from volunteers that I found growing in the path and replanted. The larger, dark yellow ones were growing in the plot next to mine last year, and the little, lemon-colored tomatoes are a complete mystery to me. But they're good.

I also planted several heirloom seedlings - Black Krim, Marvel Stripe, and Brandywine - which I purchased, but so far they haven't produced any ripe fruit, or much fruit at all. I started some heirloom seedlings but I don't remember what they are, so when they bear fruit it will be a big surprise. The other volunteers I replanted (3-4) are, so far, of unknown provenance. It will be interesting to see what they turn out to be.

For dinner, I ate the Black from Tula and some of the yellow cherries with slices of fresh mozzarella from a local Italian deli, basil from my garden, olive oil, and a spoonful of the $30 balsamic vinegar I splurged on a month ago. Unfortunately, the Black from Tula was a little watery and bland, which is strange, because it's been very hot and not at all rainy. It's supposed to be a very flavorful tomato. My disappointment was somewhat quelled by the cherries, which were mild and sweet, the fresh cheese, the olive oil, and the overpriced balsamic vinegar.

I used to hate tomatoes.