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Buongiorno.
Italy’s the source of today’s tomato inspiration, prompted by hearing Seeds of Italy’s Paolo Arrigo on the subject of his family’s business and the Italian approach to eating and growing food.
Paolo, who describes himself as London Italian, started Seeds of Italy as an extension to the family deli business. Thinking Italian – where seeds, plants, crop and produce made from that crop are sold together in one place, he initially sold the seeds in delicatessens – totally overlooking the phenomenon that is the British Garden Centre.
Now they’re found in both but Paolo remains a determined and passionate articulator of the need to keep the link between growing and eating short and direct.
The seeds themselves are Franchi Seeds, established in Italy 1783, making them the oldest seed company in the world, 7 generations, the 8th waiting in the wings.
(And having worked for a company that’s a couple of years older but lost its owning family after 215 that’s no mean feat.)
The tomato seed selection numbered around 25 in 2009 (2010 is available in January). The selection seems more workhorse than frivolous. Varieties reflect the rich number of ways in which tomatoes are put to work in Italian food. Cooking and bottling being a big part of stretching a harvest through a year.
Heading that hardworking list is San Marzano, the plum tomato variety which finds its way into our tins of !
Dry and meaty the San Marzano pulp (skin and pips removed) is bottled and preserved for use in sauces/pizzas. The Italian word for pulp – passata. (Obvious, when pointed out!)
The language for this selection of Italian tomatoes includes:
- Plum, beef, oblong, elongated, ribbed, scalloped, semi scalloped, lightly scalloped and even ugly (that’s the poor Costoluto Fiorentino but what a noble, pretty name).
Another point of difference with these seeds is the number per packet. Anywhere from 60 to 600!
Finally if you’re looking for something a bit different (and non tomatoey) take a look at the Truffle Trees. No, not from the same Italian arboretum as the spaghetti tree. Instead these are hazel trees which are certified as having truffle spores on their roots and from the spores grow truffles.
(Truffling dog/pig not included – I wonder if Irish Terriers have a nose for truffling ?)
