From the Source Season 3 Episode 6 Tomatoes
- TVG
- June 18, 2023
- 24 min
From the Source Season 3 Episode 6: Tomatoes
In this episode of From the Source, the host travels to Southern Italy to explore the origins and diversity of tomatoes. He starts in Naples where he visits a local market and meets with a tomato expert who explains the many different varieties that are indigenous to the region. He learns about the history of the tomato in Italian cuisine, as well as the important role that it has played in the region's economy.
The host then heads out of the city to visit a family-run farm that specializes in heirloom tomatoes. Here, he meets the family and learns about their approach to growing tomatoes. He helps them pick some of the ripest fruit and learns about the unique characteristics of each variety.
After leaving the farm, the host visits a nearby cheese producer, where he has some of their fresh mozzarella and pairs it with some of the tomatoes he picked earlier. He talks to the cheesemaker about the important role that tomatoes play in the cheese-making process, and how the acidity and sweetness of the tomato can bring out the flavor in the cheese.
The host then visits a local pizzeria to see how tomatoes are used in one of Italy's most iconic dishes, pizza. He watches as the chef prepares the sauce and learns about the many different types of pizza that are made with various tomato sauces.
Finally, the host heads to the island of Ischia, where he visits a vineyard that is producing wine from heirloom tomatoes. Here, he meets the winemaker who explains the unique process of making wine from tomatoes and the history of the region's wine industry. He gets to try some of the tomato wine and learns about the different flavor notes and texture of this unique wine.
Throughout the episode, the host showcases the versatility of tomatoes and how they are an integral part of Italian cuisine and culture. He also highlights the importance of preserving the diversity of tomato varieties and supporting small-scale farmers who are dedicated to producing high-quality produce.
Overall, this episode of From the Source provides a deep dive into the origins and diversity of tomatoes in Southern Italy, and how they have become an essential ingredient in the region's culinary traditions.
