By Michelle Fabio

A study recently reported in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture has shown that along with konjac gum, sesame seed, yeast and pumpkin, tomatoes may actually offer protection against certain strains of Salmonella bacteria and E. Coli.

The study out of Wageningen University and Research Centre in the Netherlands found that these foods act as “binders” for bacteria, so that bacteria attaches to them rather than to your cells, lowering chances of gastro-intestinal infections from such bacteria and/or lessening symptoms.

Dr. Petra Becker, who led the study, said, “The importance of fibre, particularly from certain foodstuffs, in maintaining Read the rest of this entry »

By Michelle Fabio

We’re not the only ones who need protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

Fruits and vegetables are also feeling the burn and the effects are shown in sunspots, blemishes and blisters on their skins, which can turn into decreased sales at the market.

And so one California company is testing an SPF 45 product specially designed to deflect ultraviolet and infrared light from plants but allowing photosynthesis rays they need to ripen.

Tests have taken place in Australia, Chile and California so far, and have shown increased yields because of less heat-related stress on the plants.

When plants get too hot, they Read the rest of this entry »

By Kira Hamman

From the Silver Lining department:

The Associated Press reports that, in the wake of the recent salmonella scare, consumers are turning to local farmers for their produce.

Consumers have become concerned about the safety of tomatoes and other vegetables grown far away and shipped thousands of miles and are opting instead for food grown locally. As one woman who began shopping at a local farmers’ market during the scare said, “you Read the rest of this entry »

By Michelle Fabio

Although many of you aren’t too concerned about the salmonella scare since you’re careful about your tomato sources, for those who would like even more guidance on where to find safe tomatoes, a website called MarketMaker can help.

At MarketMaker, you’ll find a map that highlights participating states.

From there, you can click on a state and search for businesses and markets of agricultural products, including tomatoes, that have been verified as safe sources.

“The local tomato farmers listed on that site are source-verified, so consumers know where the tomatoes came from and how they were grown,” said Dar Knipe, University of Illinois Extension marketing specialist.

MarketMaker describes Read the rest of this entry »

By Kira Hamman

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

What were they doing with tomatoes during the civil war?

Check out this recipe from the 1861 edition of The Housekeeper’s Encyclopedia:

TOMATO CATSUP

• 1 gallon tomatoes
• 3 tbs. salt
• 3 tbs. ground black pepper
• 3 tbs. dry mustard
• 1 tsp. ground allspice
• 4 peppers, sweet, not hot
• 1 onion (optional)
• 1 quart horseradish juice (roots grated and liquid pressed out)

Select tomatoes not overripe, skin and strain the tomatoes; to every gallon add three table-spoons of salt, three of Read the rest of this entry »

By Kira Hamman

5. Provide shade for the lettuces,

4. Attract food for the chickens,

3. Justify the purchase of rainwater collection barrels,

2. Spontaneously generate an entomology lesson for the kids, and

1. Generate tasks for the gardener, who might otherwise be tempted to become lethargic in the August heat.

Anybody have others?