You say Tomato, I Say MORE Tomatoes!featured

Is it normal that I bought 20 pounds of tomatoes on a whim?

I think being so wrapped up in this whole food blogosphere has altered my sense of normalcy.

Tomatoes, so many beautiful tomatoes, at the Ferry Building farmer’s market

No matter. I did it and I could not have been more excited as I picked up my loot from The Ladybug Truck parked outside Piccino hawking cases of juicy red tomatoes like a fresh shipment of LV fakes off Canal Street.

Why the tomato madness?

• Because I have to get them while I can! They are ripe for the picking right now, and it won’t last forever. Yes, this is the “end of the world” fear tactic reason. Every week I stop by the farmer’s market afraid that this is the day they disappear.
• Because I can. California, you have got yourself some amazing produce, baby. Fresh, accessible, delicious.
• Because I simply cannot resist a good deal. Normally priced at a steep $3.50/pound, buying in bulk brought that down to $1.40/pound!

I had fortuitously discovered that The Ladybug Truck Farm Buying Club from Mariquita Farm allows your everyday veggie-crazed pedestrian the opportunity to purchase farm fresh goods like San Marzano and Early Girl Tomatoes at bulk quantities and bulk prices (20#/$28).

Early Girl Tomatoes

Yay for me, since I’ve been addicted to these Early Girls ever since I first tasted them earlier this season. These dry-farmed tomatoes have developed an almost cult following amongst locals with their super concentrated flavor bursting with umami and sweetness. They don’t even need any seasoning they are so full of goodness.

Summer Sweetness Captured

For awhile I was snacking on them straight out of the bowl like apples. I piled them on sandwiches, egregiously loaded them onto salads, made a big pot of sauce, and then peeled and canned the rest.

What should I do with my jarred beauties? What’s your favorite tomato dish?