Book Review: Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World

Reviewed by Brett Kerley

Alexander, William. Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World: A History. Grand Central Publishing, 2022. ISBN (Hardcover): 978-1-538-75332-3 ISBN (Paperback): 978-1-538-75333-0 Page Count: 303–320 pages (depending on edition)

William Alexander’s Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World is a lively, witty, and informative exploration of how a humble fruit reshaped the way we eat, grow, and think about food. From its ancient beginnings in the Andes to its global dominance in sauces, soups, pizzas, and ketchup bottles, he follows the tomato’s winding journey through history, science, and culture.

Early chapters trace the tomato’s uneasy arrival in Europe. Once feared as poisonous because of its connection to nightshade, it was slowly accepted into kitchens, most notably in Italy. Later sections explore how this once-exotic fruit became a staple of global agriculture, transforming economies and inspiring everything from industrial food production to backyard gardening movements.

Alexander’s storytelling shines with humour and curiosity. He blends historical anecdotes, travel writing, and modern reflections on agriculture, genetics, and marketing. For horticultural enthusiasts, the book offers fascinating insights into how plant breeding, greenhouse cultivation, and the pursuit of longer shelf life have affected tomato flavour and diversity. He also tackles the ongoing debate between heirloom and hybrid varieties—a topic close to many gardeners’ hearts.

For our short-season northern climate, Ten Tomatoes provides an opportunity to reflect on how far the tomato has come and how we grow it at home—whether through greenhouse growing, container planting, or season-extension techniques. Alexander’s work reminds readers that every tomato grown, canned, or eaten connects us to centuries of botanical discovery and human ingenuity.

While some may find the “ten tomatoes” structure more thematic than literal, the narrative remains engaging from

William Alexander is an American author and lifelong gardener known for his humorous and reflective takes on everyday passions. After studying English literature at the University at Albany, he spent nearly forty years as a director of technology at a psychiatric research institute before turning his attention to writing.

His first book, The $64 Tomato (2006), humorously chronicled his obsession with growing the perfect tomato and became a cult classic among gardeners. He followed with 52 Loaves (2010) and Flirting with French (2014). Each explores similar themes of passion, perseverance, and self-discovery. In Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World he returns to his horticultural roots, combining meticulous research with a gardener’s heart.

Alexander lives in Washington State, where he continues to garden, cook, and write.

For Edmonton gardeners, Alexander’s book feels both global and surprisingly close to home. While his travels take readers from European fields to Californian processing plants, the lessons resonate here in our northern climate. Edmonton’s gardeners know better than most the challenges of coaxing warmth-loving plants like tomatoes through short summers and cool nights.

This book reminds us that the tomato’s success has always been about adaptation, whether by farmers in the Mediterranean centuries ago or by modern growers using greenhouses and season extenders on the Canadian prairies today. It highlights how deeply cultural our gardening choices are: the varieties we cherish, the flavours we pursue, and the patience we bring to each growing season.

In the end, Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World offers both a historical feast and an encouraging message for Edmonton gardeners: proof that even here, we’re part of the same long, global story of the world’s most beloved fruit.

This book can be borrowed from Edmonton Public Library or purchased from local and online bookstores. It is also available on Audiobook if you find this option preferable.