Tomatoes didn't come from California originally. In fact, the U.S. didn't have tomatoes till they were introduced to this country in the 1700s, just before America declared itself a nation. The first tomato plants may have come from the Caribbean-no one is exactly sure. However, California grew to love the tomato so much, the state now ranks as the top tomato producer. California is responsible for 95% of U.S. crop production, and 35% of world production!

While Bunol Spain celebrates its annual tomato crops with La Tomatina tomato festival (shown in photo) the last Wednesday in August in which tons of over-ripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets in exactly one hour as massive crowds throw the tomatoes at each other, Californians are much more pragmatic about their tomatoes-and their festivals.

From "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes" movie or its sequel, "Return of the Killer Tomatoes" that were filmed in San Diego, Chula Vista and Oceanside, to the California Tomato Research Institute based in Escalon, the state, its growers, farmers and citizens eye the tomato as a valued cash crop to be celebrated in festivals with tastings, recipe contests and tomato vendor sales. Tomatoes mean business in Yolo and Solano Counties and festivals provide a way to pay homage to a food that puts "bread" on the table for many residents.

Tomato Festivals in California:

• July   Oxnard Salsa Festival
• August  Woodland Tomato Festival
• August  Fairfield Tomato Festival
• September   Kendall-Jackson Heirloom Tomato Festival in Healdsburg
• October Los Banos Tomato Festival