The pleasures of a fresh tomato

I got a very late start on my garden this season (I blame it on my son's Little League team . too many practices and games that kept me running all spring). As such, my tomatoes and peppers and cucumbers and carrots are a bit behind the curve in terms of production this summer. That fact, some nagging concerns about produce safety and an overwhelming yen for a good, fresh tomato, have made me a more frequent customer at our local farmer's market this year. And I can honestly say that if you haven't visited a farmer's market or a local farm stand yet this season, you're missing out on one of the pleasures of summer in New England. Sure, your local supermarket probably has a great variety of produce, but I doubt you'll find as many varieties of tomatoes (including hard-to-find heirlooms such as the blushing pink Brandywine), or fresh greens, or lavender or white or dark purple peppers, or miniature Thai eggplants or pattypan squash, or specialty Italian or Vietnamese vegetables in those produce aisles. Personally, I make it a point to buy something different and out-of-the ordinary every week, just to expand my family's menu and eating habits. To find the farmer's market closest to you, check out the list of market locations and hours on page 5. You'll also find a chart of what's in season locally for every month of the year. The corn is sweet and ripe right now. Happy eating! The side of war we don't see I was also fortunate this month to have the opportunity to speak personally with Penny Rock, the Army nurse whose experiences healing soldiers in Vietnam in 1968 became the basis for the one-act play, "No Background Music," which will be performed at the Springfield Armory Aug. 8-11. Her story is illuminating, her message hard-hitting and timely, especially with so many men and women returning from Iraq. If you can't make the play, read my interview with Rock on page 19 in this issue. Debbie Gardner PRIME Editor 280 North Main St. East Longmeadow, MA 01028 dgardner@reminderpublications.com