Eden Tomato Sauces
What do olives, tomatoes, garlic, seafood and red wine have in common? They are indispensable components of the Mediterranean diet. In Spain, Italy and Greece, there aren’t chefs who would voluntarily do without them. Since ancient times, they are very popular in the Mediterranean region - with one exception: During the Roman period tomatoes were not to be found neither in Italy nor anywhere else in the Mediterranean area. In the Middle Ages the red fruit was still completely unknown between Gibraltar and Cyprus. Their home is namely in South and Central America. There it was cultivated between 200-700 A.D., among others by the Mayas and Aztecs. The Aztecs called it „Xitomatl“. Tomatoes were among the first fruits that Christopher Columbus is said to have tried after landing in America. In 1498 he brought some tomato plants to Portugal. From there it spread throughout the rest of Europe. Until the 18th century, however, tomatoes were considered crop. Therefore it was mainly found in the greenhouses of botanists.
As food the tomato had the worst possible start in Europe. On one hand, only aristocrats and rich merchants had the opportunity to buy tomatoes. Secondly, in the 16th century series of mysterious deaths occurred in England. The tomatoes were blamed for the death of the aristocrats who previously ate them. Wrongly, because - as it turned out later - danger originated not from the food but from the dishes used. In the 16th century many aristocrats had mugs, plates and bowls made from pewter. When those came in contact with acidic food, a chemical reaction took place. The lead from the plate was thereby drawn into the fruit and caused a lead poisoning after eating. The rest of the population only had wooden utensils and could have safely eaten tomatoes, but they could not afford them. In the 18th century medicine and research made a giant leap forward. The prejudice against the tomato disappeared and it found its way into the vegetable beds.
In Italy, the tomato spread earlier and faster than in the rest of Europe. This was probably mainly due to the warm climate in which the „love apple“ felt just as well as in Central America. The red fruit quickly became a fundamental part of Italian cuisine. Spaghetti Bolognese, bruschetta, pesto and of course pizza would be unthinkable without it. The pizza as we know it today was invented in 1889 in Naples. Italian expatriates brought it with them to America around the turn of the century. From there, the flat delicacy triumphantly spread throughout the whole world. Today it is believed that the reason that tomatoes are now grown worldwide is mainly due to the success of pizza. Because besides the light dough tomato sauce is the main ingredient. But tomato sauces can do much more. Try for example the tasty creations of Eden.
With Eden Tomato Sauces not only Italian dishes can be refined in a jiffy. All seven varieties are vegetarian, six of them even vegan. The classic Tomato Sauce Arrabiata fires up with a little addition of chili. The exact opposite is the mild Ricotta Tomato Sauce made with creamy cow's milk ricotta, tomato paste, olive oil, onions and basil. Both fruity variants with vegetables or basil are finely seasoned with typical Mediterranean herbs and spices, while the vegetarian Bolognese scores with little soy pieces. Those who like to top their own pizza, get an excellent basis with the Eden Pizza Sauce. One glass of Pizza Sauce is enough for one baking sheet. For all the little sweet teeth, there is the particularly mild Junior Tomato Sauce Toma Tina, which is perfect for dipping pasta, meat, vegetables or fries. Get enchanted by the taste of sun-ripened tomatoes and discover the delicious varieties of Eden Tomato Sauces.
