Texas Locavore

Have you heard the Guy Clark song, Homegrown Tomatoes? “Only two things that money can’t buy,” he sings, “that’s true love and homegrown tomatoes.” (It’s on iTunes - check it out! John Denver covered it, too, but I prefer Clark’s “Live from Austin” recording.) Indeed, there’s nothing quite so special. And despite all the bad press they’ve received lately, there’s no reason to deprive yourself. Tomatoes you purchase direct from producers will always be the safest around since they’re handled by fewer people and for a shorter time than those you might buy at a regular grocery store. (Read about what farmers and markets do to ensure safety in today’s Austin American-Statesman.) If you’re like me, you might even be a little overwhelmed by the great tomato bounty. I whipped up the summer’s first batch of tabouli yesterday to make a dent in my pile of heirlooms. Tonight I think I’ll borrow from my friend Mike’s Italian wife’s repertoire: She skins them over a gas flame, then adds them to a mirepoix and seasons for a fresh-sauce I’d love to pour over polenta. But of course, all this begs the question: Is Guy Clark right? Money can buy farmers’ market tomatoes. Do you think they’re as good as homegrown?