Quod fuerim sin pummarolam?
by Ciro D'Agostino
Almost 3000 years ago, Basil and Tomato (lovers of different flavors)
Decided to meet in Naples, Italy, where they would have consumed a night of passion.
The matrimonial bed chosen for the occasion, was the central square of Naples.
The Basil was the first to arrive in Naples; he arrived with the Greeks. Basil was a noble plant from Persia ... in fact, Basil (or Basileus) meant “Emperor”
The tomato however, didn’t make it to the date on time; she lived in America and had to wait for someone to discover her new world. Before he could meet Tomato, Basil waited patiently for 1500 years.
During these years he kept himself busy by embellishing
The tables of men of power. During these long years, he felt lonely and sad. Without the Tomato he could not show his true colors.
In all this, the Americans had never understood anything about the Tomato.
They would spit her out because she wasn’t sweet, and also wasn’t bitter. Essentially
She was tasteless. Eating her leaves caused madness, thus, she was considered the plant of evil. It was just after her transplant into the lands of Naples that the Tomato gained her beautiful form known as “light bulb” and was qualified as an indispensable ingredient to transform insignificant dishes to delightful dishes.
What would dishes like Caprese salad, Eggplant Parmigiana, Pizza, and Ragu’ be
Without the Tomato? QUOD FUERIM SIN PUMMAROLAM?
The discovery of the Tomato represented for the history of food, that which the French Revolution had represented for the development of social human consciousness.
In school we learn that Columbus left Spain to discover a New World.
In all these years they have lied to us; the truth is, Columbus had been informed by Basil about the new continent. Columbus returned the favor by bringing the Tomato to Naples. They finally met thanks to Columbus.
After awhile their first son was born, they named him Ragu’, and from there you know the rest of the story ....
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