Book SummaryTen Tomatoes that Changed the World, by William Alexander

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Ten Tomatoes that Changed the World

Introduction and Background of Tomatoes in Europe, Especially Italy

The Tomato's Introduction to Europe and Early Perceptions

Tomatoes Deemed Poisonous in 1500s Europe Despite Cultivation in Italian and Spanish Territories

Alexander reveals the tomato's journey began with its arrival in Europe from the Americas. Despite being a staple in Mesoamerican cuisine, Europeans, particularly Italians and Spaniards, initially perceived tomatoes with skepticism. Despite cultivation in both Spanish and Italian regions, many considered them poisonous. This misconception likely arose because the tomato belongs to the nightshade family, which includes toxic members like belladonna.

While other nightshades, such as eggplant and peppers—closer relatives to tomatoes than belladonna—were readily accepted into European diets, tomatoes faced resistance. Alexander argues that people viewed the tomato more negatively due to various factors: They tasted sour, their foliage emitted a strong odor deemed unpleasant by Renaissance sensibilities, and, most damagingly, some believed them to be Galen's lost "wolf peach," a poisonous fruit described by the influential Roman physician. This resulted in tomatoes receiving the scientific name Solanum lycopersicum, meaning "wolf peach," perpetuating the association with toxicity.

Practical Tips

• Create a themed dinner night where each dish features an ingredient that was once misunderstood or underappreciated, like eggplant or quinoa. Use this as an opportunity to discuss with family or friends how perceptions of foods have changed over time and the factors that contribute to these shifts in acceptance.
• Start a "myth-busting" recipe blog or social media page where you create dishes using ingredients that have had a bad reputation. Use your platform to share facts about these ingredients, how they were misunderstood, and delicious ways to prepare them. This not only educates others but also encourages you to learn and experiment with new foods.
• Grow a "wolf peach" garden to explore the history and evolution of plant names. By cultivating tomatoes and other plants with historical significance, you can gain a hands-on understanding of the stories behind their scientific names. For example, plant a garden with tomatoes, belladonna (also part of the nightshade family), and mandrake, and label each with both their common and scientific names, along with a brief history or folklore associated with them.

Cosimo De' Medici Received Tomatoes In 1548, but They Weren't Eaten

The author tells us about a potentially pivotal moment in the history of tomatoes: A basket of tomatoes arrived at the Palazzo Vecchio in Pisa, Italy, signaling the tomato's introduction to one of the most influential figures of the Renaissance, Cosimo de' Medici. This seemingly momentous event in 1548, documented by de' Medici's steward, could have been the launchpad for integrating tomatoes into Italian cuisine. However, the tomatoes were met with "much thoughtfulness" and were not consumed, nor were they incorporated into Italian cuisine for almost three hundred years.

Alexander recounts that the steward's records are frustratingly vague, offering no insight into why they were left uneaten. While the steward does provide these curious fruits with a name—"pomodoro," marking the first recorded use of the Italian term for tomato—it seems the tomato's journey to stardom hit a pothole right out of the gate.

Practical Tips

• Create a virtual timeline with friends or family that tracks the influence of historical figures on modern society. Each participant can choose a different figure, like Cosimo de' Medici, and research their contributions. By comparing and sharing findings, you can collectively explore how past actions and decisions shape our current world, fostering a deeper appreciation for history's interconnectedness.
• Volunteer at a local historical society or museum to help curate exhibits or information sessions on the history of food and trade in your area. By contributing to these educational efforts, you can help others understand the significance of how certain foods arrived and transformed local eating habits. You might work on a display that shows the evolution of...

Ten Tomatoes that Changed the World Summary The Tomato's Importance and Popularity in the US and Italy

Tomatoes Became Integral to Italian Cooking

19th Century: Tomatoes Became Common in Italian Dishes, Appearing in Pasta and Pizza

Alexander describes how a culinary revolution began to simmer in nineteenth-century Italy as tomatoes transitioned from a culinary curiosity to a foundational ingredient in Italian cooking. The author suggests that this shift in perception stemmed from the fading influence of Galen's theories, the emergence of new, more flavorful tomato varieties, and, perhaps most surprisingly, from the changing flavor of 'lard. As pig breeding practices evolved, lard's quality declined, leading Italians to seek alternative ways to enhance and season their essential dishes, notably pasta.

This period marked the emergence of iconic dishes that would shape the global perception of Italian cuisine. Alexander traces the origins of pizza, a humble flatbread first enjoyed by the working class in Naples before its embrace by the monarchy, culminating in the Margherita pizza. Similarly, the marriage of pasta with tomato-based sauce, a pairing initially unthinkable, gave birth to "pasta al pomodoro," a dish now inextricably intertwined with Italian culinary...

Ten Tomatoes that Changed the World Summary How Tomatoes Integrated Into Iconic Foods and Cuisines

Tomato Becomes Key in Italian Cooking

Tomato: Essential to Italian Classics Like Pizza and Pasta

Alexander tells us that tomatoes became integral to Italian cuisine, particularly in the development of iconic dishes like pizza and pasta. The distinctive flavor and versatility of tomatoes as a sauce base helped create culinary traditions and regional variations. The author emphasizes how tomatoes, along with cheeses like mozzarella and herbs such as basil, spawned a multitude of signature Italian dishes.

Alexander highlights two iconic examples that showcase the pivotal role of tomatoes in their creation. First, pizza, originating in Naples, evolved from a simple flatbread to the renowned Margherita pizza, thanks to the addition of mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes, which reflect the hues of the Italian flag. Second, incorporating tomatoes into pasta sauces gave birth to a tomato-based pasta dish that's now considered quintessentially Italian. While these dishes gained popularity within Italy and across the globe, Alexander also points out that Italian immigrants further innovated upon them, introducing variations like spaghetti and meatballs in the US.

**Other...

Ten Tomatoes that Changed the World Summary History and Evolution of Growing and Breeding Tomatoes: Heirloom, Hybrid, and Industrial Agriculture

The Contributions of Key Tomato Breeders and Geneticists

Pioneers Livingston, Rick, and Shifriss: Advances in Cultivating and Genetically Researching Tomatoes

Alexander examines the pivotal role that breeders and geneticists played in shaping today's tomato. The author gives us an overview of the foundational work of key pioneers: Alexander Livingston, Oved Shifriss, and Charley Rick. Livingston revolutionized tomato breeding in the late 19th century by recognizing the significance of selecting for superior plant characteristics, rather than individual tomatoes. This insight resulted in the development of the smooth, uniformly shaped Livingston Paragon, setting a new standard for tomato appearance and uniformity.

According to the author, Shifriss, building upon the rediscovery of Mendel's laws of inheritance, began the era of hybridization with the creation of the Big Boy tomato in the 1940s. This revolutionary hybrid, characterized by its manageable size, ability to resist diseases, and impressive yield, made tomato gardening accessible to a broader public. Finally, Rick's contributions to understanding tomato genetics and his tireless efforts in collecting and...

Ten Tomatoes that Changed the World Summary Tomato's Function and Future in Global Food Systems

The Environmental Impact of Modern Tomato Production

Tomatoes Grown in Greenhouses Have Higher Carbon Emissions Than Field-Grown Tomatoes, Raising Sustainability Concerns

Alexander explores the environmental footprint associated with different ways of producing tomatoes. The author examines the carbon emissions generated by producing a pound of tomatoes, using an analysis of the life cycle that takes into account factors ranging from seedling production to transportation. Alexander suggests that while greenhouse tomatoes offer numerous advantages, including reduced pesticide application and decreased water consumption, they have a larger carbon output than field-grown ones. This is due primarily to the energy required for heating and lighting greenhouses in winter.

Alexander further explores the environmental footprint of field-grown tomatoes, particularly in high-production regions like Florida. The author points out that while they consume less energy in production, they require significant quantities of fertilizers and soil treatments, releasing greenhouse gases such as N2O. Additionally, using plastic sheeting as mulch, common in these fields, generates a...