Ten Tomatoes that Changed the World

A History

By: William Alexander

Narrated by: Paul Bellantoni

New York Times bestselling author William Alexander takes readers on the surprisingly twisty journey of the beloved tomato 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.

Critic reviews

“From the man who grew us The $64 Tomato, William Alexander is back in the garden…as well as in pizzerias in Naples (Italy), a ketchup factory, the local Pizza Hut, large-scale tomatoes farms in Naples (Florida), and the farmers markets where heirloom tomatoes are having their day in the sun, again. Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World is a fascinating and funny tell-all tale of how ten tomatoes are shaping our lives in unusual, unexpected, and (in some cases) very delicious directions.”—David Lebovitz, author of Drinking French and My Paris Kitchen

“William Alexander has written an entertaining, broad-ranging history of the tomato, in a conversational, humorous style that uses tomatoes to explore history -- from the Aztecs to Italian cuisine and pizza -- along with the introduction of fascinating characters, issues such as climate change and hydroponics, heirloom mania, and the search for flavor in a world of GMOs and factory farming.”—Mark Pendergrast, author of Uncommon Grounds and For God, Country and Coca-Cola

“William Alexander is a delightful guide on this whirlwind tour of the tomato's influence on global cuisine and culture. His trademark blend of history, botany, memoir and travelogue make Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World a captivating--and appetizing--read for gardeners and cooks alike.”—Amy Stewart, New York Times bestselling author of The Drunken Botanist

"[A]n engaging look at the humble fruit. . . Eccentric, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable."—Kirkus Reviews

PRAISE FOR WILLIAM ALEXANDER

“Highly readable… Mr. Alexander presents himself as an apprentice, but the reader quickly discovers he is also a master teacher."—Wall Street Journal on Flirting with French

"Alexander's breathless, witty memoir is a joy to read. It's equal parts fact and fun.” —Boston Globe on 52 Loaves

“[Alexander’s] bright writing highlights a pleasing variety of comical misadventures... Entertaining and educative."—Kirkus Reviews on 52 Loaves

"Serious, irreverent, funny and informative at the same time."—Jacques Pépin on 52 Loaves

“Engaging, well-paced and informative."—New York Times on The $64 Tomato

“[A] disarmingly witty take on horticulture…consistently funny."—Washington Post on The $64 Tomato

“Alexander's slightly poisoned paradise manages to impart an existential lesson on the interconnectedness of nature and the fine line between nurturing and killing.” —Publishers Weekly on The $64 Tomato

Agriculture’s historical past and notable future

Many interesting observations. Agriculture’s trajectory over the millennia can be understood by understanding the story of the tomato.

Interesting, witty and charming!

Loved it! Very entertaining and informative. I would recommend it as a worthwhile listen or read.

Loved the book nearly as much as I love my tomatoes!

As an avid backyard gardener, and being of 100% Italian heritage (96% if Ancestry is to be believed) , I was drawn to this book. I was absolutely not disappointed, and couldn’t put the book down (ie takes the earbuds out). It contains a wealth of information and insights, and is hilariously written. It wasn’t until near the end that I realized the author had written one of my other favorite books, “The $64 Tomato. I would highly recommend this book to gardeners and non gardeners alike!

Interesting history of tomatoes

The only thorn in my side about this book is that the author didn't go into grave detail about the soil the tomatoes grow in. That's so immensely important and a contributing factor as to why Florida tomatoes taste flavorless and grainy. You need rich soil with organic nitrogen from things like red clover and an array of soil biodiversities that aren't killed off with RoundUp. I was really hoping to learn more about the soil the tomatoes grow in from the farms he's visited. Maybe he needs to do a part two- The soiled edition. Anyway, I would recommend this book.

I love the wide variety explained from past to present, from original to evolved & everything in between.

This gave me a new look on how I see my meals. Not just tomatoes. Even how I garden. I love learning new things, and I never imagined there would be so much about a tomato. I look forward to sharing this with my family and friends. Let’s hope more people in this world can listen to this book as well!