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This year a late blight is devastating tomato crops across the Northeast. For a look at what’s behind this blight and what to substitute for tomatoes, The Takeaway is joined by chef Dan Barber and New York Times food writer Melissa Clark.
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.)