 The gnarlier the better. Heirloom tomatoes have their own sense of "beauty" This is the time of year I turn into an heirloom tomato. But in spite of their recent publicity, these treasures on the vine remain relatively difficult to source. That's why my favorite farm stand is Cape Cod Organic Farm on route 6A in Barnstable Village. Cape Cod Organic Farm grows 15 varieties of heirloom tomatoes as well as a rustic shack full of other offerings: mesclun greens, kale, melons, garlic, root vegetables... and something for the carnivores too. There is beef from Harwich cattle, and pork products and eggs from the livestock raised on the farm.   In the 17th and 18th centuries all of Cape Cod was little more than farming, but 21st century Cape Cod is much different. Today we are all about tourism. But we are about eating too, and there is nothing better to accompany our local fish than local and sustainable produce.  Syracuse University graduate Becca Miller of Cape Cod Organic Farm prepares mesclun greens for CSA farm share members  Farm workers unload the season's first watermelons  Cape Cod Organic Farm follows highly stringent regulations to be certified organic, a government designation prohibiting synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, soil amendments or additives. They don't use genetically modified materials of any kind but they do use beneficial insects, green manure, compost and crop rotation to encourage spectacular yield. Animals roam free in their pastures and with such happy livestock there is no need for antibiotics or hormones for them either, although it all ends in vacuum sealed bags in coolers. :(  Do you have a favorite vegetable or fruit? Click here for a list of items grown on the farm and their approximate harvest time. The farm is open to the public but farm share members take priority. If something is in short supply, those individuals who purchased a portion of the yield in advance, get their pick. However I have yet to be turned away from anything I wanted at the stand. From any direction, there is no prettier ride to any farm stand anywhere in America.  Recipe: Rinse, slice, salt, eat, smile.
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Maureen Green
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