No matter how you say it. It is one of natures amazing foods Full of healthy vitamin C low in sugar but high in magnesium and potassium. Botanically known as a fruit but considered a vegetable for culinary purposes. Full of diversity in its preparation from eating them raw to sauces main dishes salads and drinks. I am sure we haven't seen the last tasty invention with this gem. Think about the variety of the tomato grape, cherry, plum, beefsteak, the list goes on.

I started growing several varieties in my garden. The seeds look so frail, I handle them delicately as I place them in the soil to wait for natures magic to prevail. Watering and keeping the soil loose I check them everyday and then suddenly a little sprout pushes through the soil to as if say hello world. Each day it grows more until a sturdy stem supports the weight of its fruit. The stem is weak grows from 3-10 feet which would sprawl across the ground as it vines all over plants. Using stick supports keeps them from ground insects and keeps them close to the sun. Oh how they love the sun.

My favorite is the plum tomato because of the contribution it gives to my homemade sauce (sometimes know as gravy). The time it takes to prepare it is worth the results. I would take about 10 firm, as dark red as I could find tomatoes and place them in boiling waster. Wait until the skin feels like it would easily peel off (about 30 to 40 seconds) place them in cool water so there easy to handle and just peel them. Remove the seeds and throw in a blender and my fresh tomato puree is ready to cook. Tossed with all types of herbs cooking low and slow is the key, for no less then 4 hours.

The tomato has been around for a long time. the exact date of domestication was 500 BC in Mesoamerica used it in their cooking. Making its way to be know as the state fruit in New Jersey, USA. Being a New Jersey native, trust me, there is no tomato finer then a Jersey Tomato grown in that dark soil. So the next time you pass a tomato plant, take a second smell the green leaves, the earthy pungent smell wakes up your senses then pick a nice ripe tomato and enjoy it for its one of those plants that we can grow just about anywhere. Survives well in a green house in colder climates and give to us the diversity like no other.