- As a rule, ripe tomatoes are best kept out of the refrigerator. Cold temperatures are the kiss of death to their flavor.

- Tomatoes may be a significant tool in the fight against cancer, according to a recent report in the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute."

The report says a review of 72 studies indicated that eating tomatoes and tomato-based products reduced the risk of cancer, perhaps because of the antioxidant lycopene, a pigment predominantly found in this fruit.

The strongest evidence was for protection against cancer of the prostate, lung and stomach, though there was evidence of benefit for the pancreas, colon, rectum, esophagus, oral cavity, breast and cervix.

- Tomatoes are not only a good source of lycopene, but also contain beneficial amounts of vitamins A and C, folic acid and potassium.

- Forty percent of Americans who raise their own tomatoes do it for taste, not health.

The 8th Annual Kendall-Jackson Heirloom Tomato Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 11, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person. For more information, call (800) 769-3649 or go to www.kj.com. Click Here to view complete listing of articles for this edition of The Citizen News