In Praise of Tomatoes

Book excerpt: Straight from the vine to the cookpot and to terrific trivia: everyone will enjoy this juicy tribute to the tangy, tasty tomato. Begin with a horticultural look at resurgent vintage varieties: a comprehensive chart gives specific growing and eating details on more than 50 delicious types, both heirloom and hybrid. Find out how to create and cultivate the "essential tomato garden,” even on a windowsill. Then, head straight to the kitchen with information on how to store, peel, freeze, dry, can, and cook up the harvest. Recipes include such luscious dishes as tomato soup, jam, bread, and green tomato pie. Round out the enlightening feast with fun facts on the tomato’s history and tomato festivals.