Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World: A History (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781538753323)

A WASHINGTON STATE BOOK AWARD FINALIST

New York Times bestselling author William Alexander provides "an entertaining, broad-ranging history of the tomato" (Mark Pendergrast) in this fascinating and erudite microhistory.

The tomato gets no respect. Never has. Lost in the dustbin of history for centuries, accused of being vile and poisonous, subjected to being picked hard-green and gassed, even used as a projectile, the poor tomato has become the avatar for our disaffection with industrial foods -- while becoming the most popular vegetable in America (and, in fact, the world). Each summer, tomato festivals crop up across the country; the Heinz ketchup bottle, instantly recognizable, has earned a spot in the Smithsonian; and now the tomato is redefining the very nature of farming, moving from fields into climate-controlled mega-greenhouses the size of New England villages.

Supported by meticulous research and told in a lively, accessible voice, Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World seamlessly weaves travel, history, humor, and a little adventure (and misadventure) to follow the tomato's trail through history. A fascinating story complete with heroes, con artists, conquistadors, and--no surprise--the Mafia, this book is a mouth-watering, informative, and entertaining guide to the food that has captured our hearts for generations.

Author: William Alexander
ISBN-10: 1538753324
ISBN-13: 9781538753323
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Language: English
Published: 06/07/2022
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.92lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.40w x 1.10d

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2022
Booklist 05/01/2022 pg. 12
Library Journal 05/01/2022 pg. 98
Publishers Weekly 05/16/2022
BookPage 06/01/2022