2014 Heirloom Tomato Tasting at The Local Pig
Cherokee Purple gleaming in the early-morning sun.
To the uninitiated, it might seem odd to gather for a tomato party at 9am on a Saturday. Luckily, gardeners are early risers by necessity. And with more than 100 varieties to taste and 150 of our fellow gardeners to catch up with, it pays to arrive early notebook in hand to keep track of the beauties you want to grow next year.
The variety of tomatoes this year was especially impressive. Our resident tomato scientist Keith Mueller always brings some amazing new experiments that are exciting to the eye and thrilling to the tongue.
Green Tiger and Lucky Tiger from Johnny’s Seeds Artisan Collection were tomatoes we enjoyed and hope to plant next year.
We brought a plate full of Kiss the Sky, one of our favorite tomatoes in our garden this year. It has such a sweet flavor, you’d be forgiven if you mistook it for a grape.
For the past two years, The Local Pig has generously hosted this group of tomato enthusiasts providing tasty meat treats and table space until the hungry Saturday lunch crowd arrivers. Tomato tasting organizers James Worley and Jennifer Nugent are constant sources of inspiration and garden advice. Kansas City gardening has been elevated by their presence.
Farmer T slices into a Black Brandywine.
Keith Mueller brought along a few of his trial varieties.
An array of color and flavor awaits slicing on a picnic table covered by silver reflective mulch.
Local gardener Marinda Nash and her son explore the tomatoes on offer.
James Worley and reporter Mary Pepitone marvel at the selection of tomatoes.
The Local Pig’s Matt Kafka laughs as his daughter Ella draws a winner.
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