Where do new vegetables come from?
Photography by Matt Hocking
Every year I see new vegetables at the farm market and my local garden center. But where do they come from? Are they the result of clandestine genetic experiments in evil corporate labs?
Photograph by Jenny Lehman
Nope. We’ve been breeding new plants the old-fashioned way for centuries. Just like people, when plants have sex, their offspring resemble both parents and sometimes exhibit new traits – like orange cauliflower. The first orange cauliflower, discovered in Canada in the 1970’s, was not particularly vigorous or tasty. A researcher in New York State developed – through more natural plant sex – an orange cauliflower with bright color (fun!) that tasted great (for the win!).
Many of these new plants, like the small, sweet and relatively seedless Fairytale Eggplant that I like to use for eggplant fries or the Chef’s Choice Orange tomatoes I like to use for this gazpacho, are evaluated by an organization called All America Selections. They recognize the best performers for gardens all around the country with an award that lets us know those plants will grow well at home. And they’re pretty tasty, too!
Sweet Corn Tomato Gazpacho
Serves 6-8
This dish is a celebration of the freshest summer corn and tomatoes you can lay your hands on! Honey brings out the sweet notes of raw corn, while cumin and coriander give it depth.
Ingredients:
2 large tomatoes
2 ears corn, kernels removed
1/2 red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 tbs cumin
1/2 tsp coriander
2 tbs honey
1 tbs white balsamic vinegar
2 tbs olive oil – the good stuff
Juice of 1 lime
Directions:
Roughly chop 1 tomato and purée using a food mill or food processor. If using a processor, strain pulp through a sieve to remove the seeds and skins.
Finely dice second tomato and add to a medium bowl with tomato purée, corn kernels and red onion. Stir in cilantro, cumin, coriander, honey, vinegar and oil.
Season to taste with lime juice, salt and pepper. Add additional honey and vinegar as needed.
TIP: Using a food mill saves time. By pressing the tomato through it leaves the tough skins and bitter, crunchy seeds behind.
TIP: If you have access to them, use a sweet, mildly acidic yellow or orange tomato like Mr. Stripey or Chef’s Choice Orange.
