As a child, one bite of a tomato would leave me covered in hives. My father, who considered sliced tomatoes a necessary part of every meal, couldn’t believe a child of his was allergic to tomatoes.

I grew up dreading tomato season in the Carolinas. Humble neighbors bragged about their bounties. Bags of tomatoes mysteriously appeared on our doorsteps. Tomatoes were served at every meal, flavors and types discussed at great length. Ugh!

Through the years, the phrase “Why don’t you like tomatoes?” became part of my life. “I’m allergic to them,” was my tired reply. People always eyed me suspiciously.

Fast forward to when I first met my now-husband. “How can you eat fresh salsa if you’re allergic to tomatoes?” he asked.

“Hmm, maybe I’ve outgrown my allergy. Doesn’t matter, I’ve never learned to like them,” I replied, not wanting to discuss it.

“Ever tried a German Johnson?” he asked. “It’s an heirloom tomato. My grandmother grew them, if you’re ever going to like tomatoes, this is the one.”

And so, like a lot of couples do, we concocted a bet. If he would quit his two-or-three cigarettes-a-week habit, I would eat a couple of slices of a German Johnson. He quit, so the next summer I tasted my first German Johnson.

I have to say, it was rather good. And no hives! If you’re not familiar with German Johnson tomatoes, they’re giant beefsteak type tomatoes from North Carolina. They’re delicate, so if you buy them at a farmer’s market, transport them carefully and eat them in the next day or so.

My favorite way to use them is in a classic Caprese salad. It’s tasty and easy. Arrange sliced tomatoes, sliced fresh mozzarella and basil leaves on a platter, drizzle with olive oil, aged balsamic vinegar, add coarse salt and pepper to taste.

Need a perfect picnic sandwich? Put same the ingredients on a baguette, add an optional slice of prosciutto di Parma. Pair it with a light rose wine or mint iced tea and celebrate – it’s tomato time in the Carolinas!

What’s your favorite tomato?

By Regina Walter