Used to be we waited for the Ripley tomatoes, long about mid June,
sometimes later. They were delicious--an acidic delicacy. This year
they're rocks, pretty to look at, very photogenic even when sliced; but
you've got to use a steak knife to cut 'em. And the flavor's off.
They're sweet.
I know, they're being grown for shipment and to reduce spoilage on the
produce shelf, but Jeez! Even the roadside stands in Ripley are
selling stones. Can't eat 'em. Can't lob 'em at bad comics or Rock 'n
Roll impersonators. Guaranteed not to splat. I hear our local hunters
are saving them for deer season.