Ode to the Jersey Tomato, the Garden State's Secret Weapon

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August 20, 2025 • 41 mins

You say tomato, we say podcast! It is officially peak tomato season in the Garden State, and there is no better time to enjoy the delicious red vegetable — one that has a distinct connection to New Jersey. Not a tomato fan? Have no fear. Jeremy is joined by tomato expert Laura Brahn, owner of Cardinal Provisions in Asbury Park and Mabel in Holmdel, for the ultimate guide to enjoying New Jersey’s top crop. Listen as Jeremy and Laura break down how New Jersey popularized the tomato (1:23), invented the most popular tomato in the world (2:13), the joys of Tomato Girl Summer (3:49), the characteristics of a good tomato (7:55), the dirty little secret about tomato sandwiches (18:49) and how heirloom tomatoes represent New Jersey immigrants (22:35). Then, Laura flips the script on Jeremy and administers a blind tomato taste test (32:13)! Email us! Jerseysbestpodcast@gmail.com Follow us! @jerseysbestpodcast on Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Blue Sky Subscribe to NJ.com, our journalists need you! Follow Laura at @lcbeanz and @crdnal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}Ode to the Jersey Tomato, the Garden State's Secret Weapon