When a Tomato is a Tomato

Besides killing a variety of species, introducing diseases into our food system and creating seed monopolies, what else do genetically modified organisms do?

Genetically modified organism or seeds owned and sold to American farmers by companies such as Monsanto, are our food system. Farmers buy the seeds annually, plant the crops, harvest and sell the produce, grain, whatever to food manufactures. There is nothing farm fresh about the tomatoes you pick up at the local super market. That tomato has more than likely been bought and sold more than 4 or 5 times, between many middle people/companies and has traveled on average 3000 miles from farm to your table or better yet food chain restaurant. Mom and pop restaurants that purchase food from distributors are no exception to this rule.

I left the house this morning early, without packing my lunch. I had no idea that I would be gone until 2 pm. By noon, I was starving, having not had breakfast. I pulled over a national chain restaurant and ordered a veggie wrap and cheddar broccoli soup. The wrap was packed full of veggies. Tomatoes, olives, lettuce, peppers, etc.

It's January and I live in New England. No local tomatoes. What was I thinking? Tomatoes in January?

Thanks to GMO's and cheap fossil fuels, America (I) has become accustomed to having tomatoes year round. But at what cost? It's not just the waste of said fossil fuels, the loss of biodiversity or health risk. What about taste?

We are becoming more and more accustomed to bland food. Maybe that's why super markets, restaurants and drive thrus stock so many tasty dipping sauces and spreads. Manufactured flavors. No wonder kids prefer chips and candy to fresh fruits and vegetables. They taste better.

So what to do during the winter in New England? Eat flavorful (as local as possible) winter veggies. Boiling up some super tasty rutabagas now.