Most. Sensuous. Tomato

First Sunday in September, which means it's the moment of truth for the contestants in Dr. Charles' tomato competition. And thank you, Doctor, for giving so many tomato-philes an opportunity to strut our stuff online.

I had my own requirements for potential contestants:
1. Talent. It was not enough to be a pretty tomato. If you didn't taste good you weren't going to finals. That ruled out 'Health Kick'.
2. Community service. The divas who think it's enough to put out a tomato or two over the the course of the growing season can just think again. The tomato had to at least contribute something to the awareness of larger issues, be it global warming, or poverty and hunger. Sorry,
'Prudens Purple' and 'Brandywine'. Nice pedigree, but you didn't earn your keep this year.

Note to Carlito: no animals were harmed in the production of these tomatoes, except for the ones the spiders caught and ate.

And now, the contestant from Tiger Mountain, Super San Marzano. Modest-sized plants festooned with clusters of 5, 6, even 7 luscious fruits, some weighing as much as 125 grams. Lovely to behold, and to hold.

A wonderful cooking tomato--sauce thickens up to almost a jam-like texture after a brief simmer. I love these guys!