I went to Subway for lunch today and was disgusted to see a giant bin of white, half ripe tomato slices. Commercial tomatoes are gross enough as is, but I have recently seen restaurants (not fine dining, mind you) use the crappiest tomatoes they can find. I know that cost is an issue, but how can they sacrifice so much quality for so little money?
Photo by Montana Becky.
I increasingly find people who claim they hate tomatoes. They like tomato products such as catsup and pizza sauce, but can't stand the raw fruit. And who can blame them? The tomatoes you buy in grocery stores are complete and utter crap. They are hard and flavorless. Even froufrou stores like Whole Foods rarely carry decent tomatoes for under $5 a pound.
I feel sorry for anyone that hasn't had the good fortune of having a freshly picked beefsteak tomato. So sweet and juicy, it is good enough to just bite right into the flesh. I have fond memories of fresh tomato sandwiches from my grandparents' gardens. Add some lettuce and bacon and you've got what some consider the epitome of deliciousness, the BLT.
So assert your rights! Demand quality tomatoes!
