By Mindy McIntosh-Shetter

Some things in life are free like beautiful sunsets and sunrises along with the smells of freshly mowed grass and a baby’s hair.

The simplicity of life can also be found in the garden among the tomato plants.

The fruits of one’s labor can be enjoyed right out of the garden but can also be enjoyed by simple drinks that span oceans.

Sinh Ca Chua (Vietnamese Tomato Shake) is an effortless Vietnam drink. This drink can be found on any street in Vietnam and typically creates an opportunity for individuals to catch up on their day. So try this drink as an early morning pick me up or as a summer, non-alcoholic nightcap.

Sinh Ca Chua (Vietnamese Tomato Shake)

Ingredients

Serves 1

• ½ ice cubes
• 1-2 tomatoes
• 1 small spoonful of sugar or to taste

Steps

1. Place ice cubes and tomatoes in blender and mix until ice cubes are crushed.
2. Add sugar to taste. Read the rest of this entry »

By Michelle Fabio

One might think that Spain or Italy might’ve come up with this product first, but apparently Japan is the place you need to go for some tomato beer.

No, this isn’t simply adding tomato juice to a beer at the bar; Tomato Bibere is brewed from tomatoes and hops by Japan’s Echigo Beer Co.

The idea came from Isamu Waki, a pub owner in Tokyo who had been asking brewers for a tomato beer for years. Echigo’s president Hirofumi Koda finally acted on the suggestion a few years ago inspired by Waki’s enthusiasm.

But exotic beers were nothing new Read the rest of this entry »