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Ten Tomatoes that Changed the World

A History

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Ten Tomatoes that Changed the World

Written by: William Alexander
Narrated by: Paul Bellantoni
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About this listen

 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. Europe Food & Wine Gastronomy Witty

What the critics say

“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
All stars
Most Relevant

I stayed awake all night to listen to the end of the book.
Good job.

I love it

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Surprisingly this was a great listen. Didnt know there was so much to learn and that so much of history can be told via the tomato. Download and listen - you won’t be disappointed and you’ll never look at them the same in the grocery store.

9 hours about tomatoes? YES

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very smooth flow. excellent anecdotal situations. I learned significantly more about tomatoes than I thought I would and enjoyed every minute. Somehow knowing the history makes the humble tomate taste better. One story I was looking for was if it was true that the upper class in the middle ages thought tomatoes were poison because of the acidity and the contact with pewter plates. I still want to know if this is true...

excellent education regarding tomatoes

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If you are interested in botany, history, food or business it is a worthwhile listen. The author writes about an interesting story and tells it well, and the narator delivers a good performance.

I will very likely listen to this one again.

A story about botany, genetics, business and pizza

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Fun and insightful history of the tomato. I will never be able to go shopping for a tomato the same way again!

Incredibly enjoyable

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