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Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World
A History
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Narrated by:
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Paul Bellantoni
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Written by:
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William Alexander
About this listen
New York Times best-selling author William Alexander takes listeners 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.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2022 William Alexander (P)2022 Grand Central PublishingWhat 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
"[A]n engaging look at the humble fruit. . . Eccentric, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable." - Kirkus Reviews
What listeners say about Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- NePatsGirl
- 2024-07-06
9 hours about tomatoes? YES
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.
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- Ross Traverse
- 2023-02-24
I love it
I stayed awake all night to listen to the end of the book.
Good job.
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- Anonymous User
- 2023-07-06
Very informative
I love learning about the history of plants, especially when they evolve around Italy.
Lots of great stories, the author did a good job. Sometimes little confusing which tomato he’s talking about there are so many varieties being mentioned. Fun listen I enjoyed the narrator.
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- Stanley Gee-Silverman
- 2022-08-09
A story about botany, genetics, business and pizza
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.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Melissa
- 2023-02-26
Incredibly enjoyable
Fun and insightful history of the tomato. I will never be able to go shopping for a tomato the same way again!
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