You Say Tomato; We Say Plum…

August is typically the month where tomato enthusiasts can count on an abundance of their beloved juicy, red gems. This year, however, a “late blight” is devastating tomato crops across the Northeast. Farmers and consumers alike are mourning a scarcity of summer’s favorite fruit. For a look at what’s behind this year’s blight and what to substitute for tomatoes in the kitchen, we are joined by Dan Barber. He is the chef and co-owner of Blue Hill and Blue Hill at Stone Barns. We are also joined by our friend and tomato-lover Melissa Clark. She’s a food writer for the New York Times, and brought a “BLP” (that’s bacon, lettuce, and plum) sandwich to share with us. (Check out the recipe for the BLP at the New York Times.)