"jmcquown" > wrote

>
> IIRC the US (it wasn't the US yet) introduced tomatoes to Italy and hence
> introduced tomatoes to Italian cuisine. I'm thinking Christopher
> Columbus. Might even go as far back as Marco Polo (who introduced pasta to
> Italy from China). I'm sure not buying imported canned tomatoes when I
> can buy the same thing that is grown and canned locally.
>
> Jill

I'm not sure about generic tomatoes, but San Marzano was a gift of the
kingdom of Peru to the kingdom of Naples back in 1770 or so. They have
been the tomato of choice there since. I think Columbus did bring back
others though.

I'll be in Campania in October and I'm going to see if they are much
different there fresh.