It's Tomato Season in the Valley!  So, how appropriate to share some of our favorite tomato-based recipes.

Tomatoes are excellent sources of potassium, folic acid and Vitamins A, C and E.

Did you know that eating tomatoes could possibly help to burn fat?  A study from the University of California-Davis found the amounts of quercitin and kaempferol, the main compounds found in tomatoes, to be higher in organically grown tomatoes than conventionally grown tomatoes. 

Tomatoes also contain important anti-inflammatory nutrients called carotenoids and bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids, concentrated in the tomato skin, may counteract inflammation and allergic reactions.  When you reduce inflammation, you can possibly make your weight loss hormones, such as leptin, work properly, allowing you to lose weight.  Leptin is your body's natural weight control mechanism, playing an important role in appetite control and metabolism.

So, without further adieu, here are a few of our favorite tomato recipes.  Both can be canned easily for those winter days when you just need a cheery boost of summer.

Tara's Terrific Tomato Soup (for Canning)
by Tara Forsburg

This soup is the best I've ever had!  It's all tomato and no cream, making it perfect for long-term shelf storage (though there is a bit of butter). 

14 quarts ripe tomatoes
7 medium sized onions
1 stalk celery
14 sprigs parsley
3 bay leaves
14 tbsp. flour
14 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. salt
8 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. pepper

Wash and cut up tomatoes. Put in large pot.

Chop onions, celery, parsley, bay leaves. Add to the tomatoes.

Cook over medium heat until celery is tender.

Put through a sieve. Return to heat and simmer.

In a small skillet/pot, melt butter and add flour to get a smooth paste (a traditional roux).

Add tomato juice to thin. Add to boiling soup; stir to prevent scorching. Add salt, sugar, and pepper to taste.

For smoother consistency, put through the sieve again.

Fill pint-size jars within one inch of top. Put on cap and screw band on firmly. Process in boiling water bath 15 minutes. Yield 10 pints.

Fabulous Farmers' Market Salsa
(Base Recipe)
by Tara Forsburg

This salsa is very mild, and the perfect balance of sweet and savory. 

In a food processor pulse (but don't liquify):

4 large ripe tomatoes
1 red bell pepper
2 tomatillos
half a sweet onion
3 cloves of garlic
2 tsp. sea salt
a few cracks of black pepper
1 Tablespoon of raw honey
the juice of 3 lemons or 4 limes
approx. one Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For a greater kick, simply add a hot pepper or two.  You can also add a bit of cilantro just before use.

The longer it sits, the better it tastes! 

Governor Bob McDonnell has proclaimed this week (August 5th -11th) as Farmers' Market week!

The proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS, farmers' markets play a vital role in giving farms direct access to consumers; and

WHEREAS, farmers' markets provide the public with ready access to high quality fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, organic items, cheeses, baked goods, meats, homemade preserves and more that are fresh, traceable and competitively priced; and

WHEREAS, farmers' markets are an important component of a comprehensive local economic development strategy that fosters community engagement, supports local farmers, promotes health and wellness and provides access points for healthy food in neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, the economic impacts of farmers' markets include direct benefits to farmers and business owners, but also indirect benefits to the community in stimulating downtown revitalization, enhancing parks and waterfronts and preserving farmland through economic viability; and

WHEREAS, the popularity of Virginia's farmers' markets continues to grow, from 88 markets in 2006 to 208 in 2012; and

WHEREAS, farmers' markets are good for the economy, good for consumers' health and good for the community;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize August 5-11, 2012 as FARMERS' MARKET WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

What does that mean?

For starters, it means the Commonwealth recognizes the value and SUPPORTS farmers in the region.  It also means that the Commonwealth realizes the important role that Farmers' Market play in getting local produce from the farms to the tables. 

Lastly, this proclamation means that the Commonwealth has now set the precedent and standard for supporting Farmers' Markets, which local jurisdictions and local politicians can can do as well to emulate.

The Virginia Department of Consumer Affairs put forth a press release on July 27th, that summed up the value that Farmers' Markets play in local Economic Development nicely:  "The continuing growth of Virginia farmers’ markets helps maintain agriculture as the Commonwealth’s number one industry with an economic impact of $55 billion annually and 357,000 jobs to its credit. The markets also help sustain Virginia’s working farms that provide green and open spaces and help preserve the high quality of life enjoyed by Virginians."

So, come on out and support your local Farmers' Market, the local Farmers, and Governor Bob McDonnell. 

And, as always, pass the word to help people find us!

Thank you Governor Bob!