Weekly Reflection 1

Viviana Rojas

Making the Mediterranean

Cristina Villa

Weekly Reflection #1/Reaction Paper

In this week’s reading a common ideas was present, Food. Food has always been an important part of every generation. In Nathan Nunn and Nancy Qian reading, “The Columbian Exchange: A history of diseases, Food, and Ideas” the authors explain the importance of the Columbian exchange and the importing of many fruits, crops, livestock, disease and the outcome of the Columbian exchange. Tomato was an important fruit brought to Europe during the Columbian exchange from the South American trade. The Colombian exchanged offer new ways of cooking for many countries especially the new world and the old world. The old world received different items that were once foreign such as coffee, chocolate, tomatoes, and pasta. These elements were once foreign however in today’s society these elements playma crucial role in many Italians lives.

In “A history of the tomato in Italy” by David Gentilcore explains that tomatoes at one point were to be feared. Many individuals believed that the tomato was a bad fruit and no one dared to eat it or else they would die. The tomato went through many different stages one where individuals believed it would harm their digestive system however, was later discovered that it actually helped the digestion. During the 17^th century many theories were being challenged and the focus was no longer about the healthy body, but rather diseases. This correlates to the new diseases that were brought from the old world like typhus. Another important issue that was addressed in the reading was the presence of tomatoes in early paintings. Most of the tomatoes that did appear in the paintings were either green or red on the bottom corners. The article also mentions new recipes that were created using tomatoes. Many more were cooking it with marrow, peppers, salt, and oil. There was also a number of tomatoes that varied from color to sizes. 

In Matilde Serao’s reading the importance of food is mentioned. The reading begins with the image of Naples selling the best pizza in town. It was the best pizza in town, everyone would stay in long lines just to purchase a slice of pizza, however over time pizza went from the best thing to food that would feed the poor. It became very unpopular. Many children would sell the leftover slices of bread to other children or poor people for a small amount of money. Food was also a representation of social classes many poor would consume vegetables and soups because thats all they were able to afford. When I was learning this I thought it was very ironic because in today’s society that is what is recommended as healthier and most people who can afford to buy organic are actually living healthier lives. In the last reading “The fruit, herbs, and vegetables of Italy” by Castelvetro Giacomo the author also provides different perspectives about what food is and different options to cook certain meal.  

1) Observe how the tomato is currently used in Italy -recipes, dishes, etc. - and combine those observation with what you learned in class and from the readings.

The tomatoes is being used very frequently. It’s been a little over a weeks that I have been living in Florence and I have noticed how important tomatoes are to Italy. When I purchase my groceries I notice that the tomato isle is full of different types of paste ranging from sizes to big glass bottle of tomato sauce. We cannot speak about tomato without mentioning pasta. Today we can find all types of pasta with some type of tomato sauce. I took a trip Pisa this past weekend and tried Gnocchi for the first time and it tasted amazing. It included pieces of tomato with cheese and gnocchi. I also tried a pesto pizza and it also included pieces of tomato, cheese and the sauce. In addition, in the reading, “A history of the tomato in Italy” by David Gentilcore it mentions different types of recipes ones that we used today like cutting the tomato in pieces with olive oil, mint garlic, pepper, and salt. Even though these recipe appear to be old, food can never be old. Also I find it very interesting that they would use tomato for medical purposes. As a Mexican American student I can relate to this technique because my grandmother would boil tomato either green or red to put on a sore or for inflammation which I found very interesting.

2) Observe the different kinds of tomatoes. Pick one and describe it (taste, texture, color, etc... sensory experience)

Since my stay in Italy the only tomato that I have encounter has been the big red tomato. They usually tend to be big, red, solid, and juicy. Most of the tomato bottles and paste are usually made from this tomato. They also tend to taste moist, a bit sour at times and smell fresh. I usually don’t eat tomato on its own. I cook tomato with oil and onions to create better taste. The only time I do eat tomatoes on its own are when they are they red cherry tomatoes that individuals like using for their salads. I am also aware that the little green tomatoes are also used. My Mother actually uses them to make a green sauce. 

 Pesto Pizza

 Gnocchi