With its long, sun-filled days and warm temperatures, one of the great pleasures of late summer is the pepper and tomato explosion ignited in the garden. Both are members of the sun-loving nightshade family, as are other favorites—potatoes, chiles and 
eggplants among them. In case you’re wondering, that’s the same family that claims more infamous brethren as well: tobacco and deadly nightshade. Though the edible nightshades contain the same alkaloid compounds that render their cousins toxic, in the amounts we regularly consume, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and eggplants (any nightshades we find in the farm share) are entirely safe. And considering the beneficial nutrients they contain, these beauties are healthy choices on an August dinner plate. Our favorite red ones are loaded with dietary fiber, potassium, A, B and C vitamins, and antioxidant lycopene, known for its heart health and cancer fighting properties.
