The community had the opportunity on Saturday to enjoy the fruits of the Master Gardeners’ labor.
The Colusa County organization hosted its first tomato tasting event at the Demonstration Garden, located at the Education Village in Williams.
Earlier this spring, the group planted a variety of tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in a plot of land made available for education purposes by the Colusa County Office of Education, said Coordinator Gerry Hernandez.
The group offered samples of popular slicing tomatoes like Early Girl and Celebrity, along with small yellow pear tomatoes, San Marzano canning tomatoes, and the hybrid Rusian Black Peppers included jalapeno, Anaheim, sweet red mini, and lemon drops.
Tasters also got to sample basil pesto with crackers, salsa and chips, and cucumbers with hummus.
The group gave away free vegetable seeds to plant in fall gardens.
While the Early Girl was popular with tasters, the Russian Black was also a favorite.
” The Russian Black was my pick,” said Cynthia Genera. ” It has such a savory taste. Just put some basil, garlic, and pesto on it and youre good to go.
The Master Gardeners of Colusa County is a public service and outreach program of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, administered by the local UC Cooperative Extension office.
The group of volunteers share gardening knowledge to the public through community events.
Master Gardener Coordinator Gerry Hernandez said the group has been at the Williams Farmers Market on Fridays, and will be serving fresh lemongrass tea at the market on Friday.
” We think it will get more people over to see us,” Hernandez said.
Produce grown at the Demonstration Garden is also given to the food bank in Williams so nothing goes to waste, Hernandez said.
The Master Gardeners plan to make the tomato tasting an annual event. –