CULLMAN, Ala. – Tomato sandwich lovers, unite! The Cullman County Extension Office is gearing up to host its third annual Tomato Taste-Off at the Festhalle Farmer’s Market Saturday, July 20. The event will showcase local growers and the delicious produce that comes from the Cullman County soil. The tomatoes will be judged in three categories: Heaviest Tomato, Best-Tasting Slicing Tomato and Best-Tasting Cherry Tomato.
Cullman County Extension Coordinator Kira Sims shared, “The third annual Tomato Taste-Off is an opportunity for home gardeners and local growers to show off their best-tasting or heaviest tomatoes.”
While the category of Heaviest Tomato is the most straightforward, three judges will put their own taste buds to the test as they try to pinpoint the Best-Tasting Slicing Tomato and Best-Tasting Cherry Tomato, evaluating acidity, sweetness and overall taste as they choose the best of the best.
The contest will begin accepting entries at 9:30 a.m. at the Festhalle, with the competition and judging beginning at 10. The contest has no age requirements, only that growers are local home or commercial growers. Each grower can enter once per category and contest winners will be announced at the close of the competition, although participants do not need to be present to win. First-place winners will be awarded a certificate and a prize from a local garden-related business, along with bragging rights.
“We’re trying to build this into a community event, so we host it at Festhalle Farmers Market as a way to make the event visible and incorporate other activities,” Sims said.
The tomato theme will be prevalent throughout the day, with a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. In addition to the Tomato Taste-Off, attendees can take part in the North Alabama Agriplex program the Power of Produce (PoP). Cullman County Master Gardeners will be on-hand, allowing youngsters to taste authentic salsa made fresh from tomatoes at the market. The Wallace State Culinary Department’s mobile kitchen will also be on-site, offering attendees the chance to sample more tomato-inspired dishes and appetizers while exploring the many offerings of the Festhalle Farmers Market.
The Festhalle Farmers Market is located at 209 First Ave. NE.
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