Sizzlin' Summer Salsa

Fullerton Arboretum Hosts July 11 Contest and Tomato Tasting

July 7, 2009

The Fullerton Arboretum is hosting its annual "Tomato Tasting and Sizzlin’ Summer Salsa Contest" Saturday, July 11. The contest will be held in the open pavilion area of the Orange County Agricultural and Nikkei Heritage Museum, located on the grounds of the Arboretum.

The contest runs between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and is open to the public at no charge. Contestants should bring home-grown tomatoes in labeled bags to the tomato-tasting tables. They will be cut up in bite-size pieces for all to sample, savor and select their favorites. The People’s Choice for the top three tomatoes of 2009 will be declared after ballots are tallied.

Salsa must be made with home-grown tomatoes and peppers. Contestants must provide three two-ounce containers of salsa with lids for the salsa judges and 4 cups (1 quart) for guests to taste. Three categories will be selected; Wimpy or Mild and Mannerly (very mild); Now You’re Talkin’! (medium to medium hot); and Hot Cha Cha!!! (get the fire extinguisher). Salsas need to be presented between 10 and 10:30 a.m. in order to qualify for the People’s Choice voting. Ballots will be tallied after all entries have been judged.

For more information, call 657-278-3407 or visit www.fullertonarboretum.org.