Va.-Grown Tomatoes Celebrated for Flavor, Tradition, Origins

Va.-Grown Tomatoes Celebrated for Flavor, Tradition, Origins

BEDFORD, Va. — From the celebrated ultra-local flavors of Hanover to one of Italy’s “gold standards” of regional cuisine—Virginia-grown tomatoes get around. While visiting a renowned chef at his new D.C. restaurant, Jay Faucher of Bedford County asked, “What can I personally grow for you?” The chef wanted San Marzanos. “‘Deal!’” Faucher said. “‘Now, what’s a San Marzano?’” First grown in volcanic soil within sight of Mount Vesuvius in Italy’s Ca…