Tomato Time!

This time of year is one of a gardener's favorites for the simple fact that nearly every trip outside yields some newly ripe tomatoes to pick and enjoy. It's considered common knowledge that summer tomatoes, fresh off the vine and warmed by the sun are unmatchable in taste, texture and put all those wanna-be-but-unfortunately-bland supermarket tomatoes shipped halfway around the world to shame.

The Harlem Children's Zone student gardeners have been sampling tomatoes in their raw, pure state--from tiny cherry ones to big, juicy heirloom varieties--and loving it! In our cooking club, we've made Creamy Gazpacho, Tomato Salsa, Cucumber and Tomato Salad with a classic vinaigrette, and Pan con Tomate. This round up of articles from the New York Times is a great source of ways to use your tomato harvest, whether you are gathering it in the garden or the farmer's market, enjoy!