Will this summer heat ever let up? Around here (in NC) even with the rain the heat just envelopes you, and the moisture from the rain makes everything thick and muggy. We usually spend sunny days outdoors, but this has been a week of staying inside, drinking lots of water and eating fresh veggies.
One such sweet relief: tomatoes. As the days warm up, the big bold berries ripen and the true flavor of summer comes alive. The lush, juiciness re-hydrates; homegrown, vine-ripened tomatoes take me away, no Calgon needed. Add a bit of fresh chopped basil for its cooling properties, and I can {almost} completely forget the three digit heat index outside.
Are you growing tomatoes? What are your favorite types to grow or eat? Not a fan of the mater? What's keeping you cool during these long, hot days?
Renee Garner has a passion to make things grow, although her brownish thumb wants her to believe otherwise. When mud pies aren't on the menu, you can find her doodling the days away at Wolfie and the Sneak.
I've just discovered the German Johnson tomatoes since we recently moved to NC. I love all tomtoes but with this new discovery, all others currently pale in comparison. I get them field grown at the Triad Farmers Market and by Friday I am just hanging on by a thin margin until I can get my next fix. Yummy.
Posted by: LeAnn | Jul 22, 2011 at 10:46 AM
That looks dee-lish, Renee! We're getting started late on our garden this year, so no tomatoes from our own yard. I love pretty much any kind of heirloom tomato, and I can't get enough of cherry tomatoes, especially the yellow ones that look like little pears.
Posted by: Sweet Ronit | Jul 22, 2011 at 12:03 PM
In my raised beds, planters and hanging baskets, I grow a variety in abundance: Beefsteak, Pretty Boy, Husky, Roma, Cheery and Pear Drop tomatos. Everyday: the classic Italian salad...tomatos, mozarella and seasoning.
Susan at dailysue.com
Posted by: susan fogwell | Jul 22, 2011 at 02:52 PM
I'm growing cherry tomatoes and jalapenos...hopefully the stink bugs don't get them before I do! I wish I had a big yard to grow some watermelon and cantaloupe, they are always refreshing in this yucky heat.
Posted by: melinda ke | Jul 22, 2011 at 07:01 PM
I'm growing three varieties, and I've had the best luck with the sweet 100 cherry. I literally can't count how many little guys I have out there right now, and the plant is pushing six feet.
Posted by: Lindsay {Shrimp} | Jul 31, 2011 at 11:17 AM