Carrboro Celebrates Annual “Tomato Day”

 

The annual Tomato Day at the Carrboro’s Farmers market took place on July 9th. Guests at the market waited patiently in line to try a wide variety of tomatoes at the tomato tasting and shopped from local craft artisans and farmer’s booths for baked goods, cheeses, and fresh produce.

“My favorite part of Tomato Day was being able to sample the different varieties of tomatoes,” said Shannon Kelly, a Tomato Day attendee. “I think it’s nice to be able to compare the different tastes before you make a decision on which ones to purchase. I discovered a new favorite for me because I was able to sample them.”

Tomato Day happens once a year, when many of the tomatoes grown by local farmers are at their peak during the growing season. The event celebrates local farmers, community and food – it’s a great opportunity for tomato lovers to shop and sample over 70 different varieties of tomatoes grown by local farmers.

“On Tomato Day there’s lots of tastings going on and people get to taste a multitude of tomato varieties which normally they would just get to look at,” said Sunshine Dawson of Maple Spring Gardens farm. “Now they actually get to get flavor profiles and decide on which tomatoes they really like rather than on other days, they’re just seeing lots of tomatoes, and we can offer our opinions but unless you’re actually tasting them, you don’t know what you like.”

The event is a way to get the word out about the Carrboro’s Farmers Market and for residents and local business owners to support the farmers at the market by providing live music, free tomato samples and raffle prizes. For Kevin Callaghan, head chef and owner of Acme Food & Beverage Co., sourcing the restaurant’s tomatoes from local farmers is important.

“These local farmers that are doing this need some support and we need to remind people that those tomatoes at the farmers market are ten times better than the ones you’re going to get at Harris Teeter,” said Callaghan. “Nothing against Harris Teeter, they’re basically the same price, but they’re apples and oranges in terms of flavor,” said Callaghan. “We use tomatoes in everything from barbecue sauce, fresh sliced tomatoes, raw, sauce with fresh pasta, tomato jam, to tomato chutney, gazpacho, and Hoppin’ John stuffed tomatoes. As a restaurant that is seasonal, the best way to follow seasonality is what’s at the farmers market, because then those flavors that you’re using are coming right then, from the soil around you.”

Although the Tomato Day festivities have passed, tomatoes will remain in season and will likely be sold at the market throughout the summer. If you’re a tomato lover, make sure to get your hands on some of these amazing tomatoes before it’s too late.

“My favorite type of tomato is probably the German Johnson,” said Callaghan. “It’s a pink tomato, and I like them fresh and raw in a tomato sandwich.”