With recent news of a tomato health scare, we at NewOrleansRestaurants.com think that it’s a perfect opportunity to shed some light on our beloved Creole tomatoes.

Grown only in certain parts of southern Louisiana, Creole tomatoes are revered in a city known for good food. This tasty fruit – yes fruit – has become the basis for so many southern dishes that locals have created an event in which to celebrate it – the annual French Market Creole Tomato Festival, held every year in June.

At the festival this past weekend, people took in cooking demonstrations, tasting sessions, recipes and even got down to some local music. There were even people dressed in giant tomato costumes looming about.

As we assure you, our local tomatoes are perfectly safe to eat, we invite you to support our Louisiana farmers by cooking up some pasta, seafood stuffed tomatoes, or even some salsa. You’ll be doing a good deed, and hey, your taste buds will thank you.